1921 Trois femmes Е la fontaine9 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents three female figures arranged in a triangular formation around what appears to be a stylized fountain or water source. The women are clad in simple, flowing garments reminiscent of classical Greek attire; their hairstyles are similarly understated and evoke antiquity. Their skin tones are rendered with a muted palette, contributing to an overall sense of timelessness.
The woman on the left holds a vessel, possibly intended for carrying water, and her gaze is directed outwards, suggesting engagement with something beyond the immediate group. The central figure is actively engaged in tending to foliage or herbs growing near the fountain; this action introduces a subtle element of domesticity and care. The third woman, seated prominently on a raised platform or stone structure, displays a posture of relaxed authority. Her hands are clasped, and her expression appears contemplative, suggesting a position of observation or leadership within the group dynamic.
The background is deliberately sparse, consisting primarily of rough-hewn blocks that define the setting. The limited color range – dominated by earth tones and pale blues – reinforces the impression of austerity and simplicity. Light falls unevenly across the scene, creating areas of shadow that add depth and visual interest.
Subtleties within the work hint at themes beyond a simple depiction of women at a fountain. The arrangement suggests a hierarchy or social structure among the figures; the seated woman’s elevated position implies status. The act of tending to plants could symbolize nurturing, fertility, or perhaps even a connection to nature and ancient rituals. The overall mood is one of quiet introspection and understated elegance, evoking a sense of classical serenity while hinting at underlying complexities within the relationships between the women.