1921 Trois femmes Е la fontaine8 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents three figures arranged around a central point of interaction. Here we observe two women flanking a central figure who appears to be engaged in some form of ritual or offering. The women are depicted with classical features and draped in simple garments reminiscent of ancient Greek attire, suggesting an intentional evocation of antiquity. Their gazes are directed towards the central figure, conveying a sense of reverence or focused attention.
The central figure holds what seems to be a small object – perhaps a symbolic offering – and appears to be presenting it with a gesture that is both delicate and deliberate. The face of this individual is rendered in a manner that obscures precise features, contributing to an air of mystery and potentially representing a deity or a personification of a concept rather than a specific individual.
The color palette is dominated by muted earth tones – ochres, browns, and creams – with touches of blue and pink highlighting the drapery. This restrained use of color contributes to a somber and contemplative atmosphere. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, with visible strokes that add texture and dynamism to the surface.
The setting seems to be an outdoor space, possibly near a fountain or water source, as suggested by the title. However, the background is largely indistinct, focusing attention on the figures themselves. This lack of spatial detail reinforces the symbolic nature of the scene, suggesting it takes place in a timeless and universal realm.
Subtly, theres an interplay between the classical references – the drapery, the idealized forms – and a more fragmented or deconstructed approach to representation. The figures are not rendered with photographic realism; instead, their features are simplified and stylized, hinting at a deeper symbolic meaning beyond mere physical depiction. This combination of classical allusion and modern artistic techniques creates a sense of ambiguity and invites multiple interpretations regarding the nature of the ritual being portrayed and the roles of the individuals involved.