1923 Enfant au cheval de bois (Paulo) * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a young child standing and holding a wooden toy horse. The figure is rendered in pastel on paper, utilizing a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – ochre, brown, and beige – for the background and clothing, with touches of blue for the trousers. The artist employed a loose, expressive technique; lines are visible and textures are suggested rather than meticulously defined.
The child’s posture is somewhat stiff, suggesting an attempt at composure or perhaps a nascent awareness of being observed. Their gaze is directed forward, exhibiting a seriousness that contrasts with the playful nature of the toy held in their hands. The face displays a certain solemnity; the eyes are large and dark, contributing to an impression of vulnerability and introspection.
The wooden horse appears simplified, almost rudimentary in its form. It’s clutched tightly by the child, suggesting a comfort or reliance on this simple object. The toys presence introduces a layer of innocence and childhood fantasy into the composition.
The background is largely undifferentiated, serving to isolate the figure and direct attention towards them. This lack of contextual detail contributes to a sense of timelessness and universality; the scene could exist outside of any specific place or time.
Subtly, theres an underlying melancholy present in the work. The muted colors, the child’s serious expression, and the somewhat awkward posture all contribute to this feeling. It is not necessarily sadness, but a quiet contemplation that evokes a sense of fragility and the fleeting nature of childhood. The drawing seems less concerned with depicting a specific moment of joy or playfulness, and more interested in exploring the emotional landscape of early youth – a space where innocence and awareness intersect.