1929 La crucifixion * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a fragmented and emotionally charged scene, seemingly rooted in religious iconography but rendered through a distinctly distorted lens. A central figure, presumably representing Christ, is depicted with a severely truncated face and elongated features, his head tilted downwards as if burdened by immense suffering. He appears to be suspended from a vertical element that functions as a cross or similar symbolic structure.
Flanking this central figure are several other individuals, their forms equally abstracted and simplified. One woman, positioned on the left, is characterized by an oversized eye, suggesting heightened awareness or perhaps overwhelming grief. Another female figure stands closer to the center, her face partially obscured but conveying a sense of anguish through the downturned mouth and elongated neck. A third individual, situated behind the central figure, possesses a mask-like quality, obscuring any discernible expression and contributing to the overall feeling of detachment and alienation.
The composition is densely packed, with figures overlapping and merging into one another. The artist employed a limited tonal range – primarily black lines on a white background – which intensifies the dramatic effect and emphasizes the starkness of the scene. Lines are often jagged and erratic, conveying a sense of instability and psychological turmoil.
Beyond the immediate depiction of suffering, the drawing seems to explore themes of loss, isolation, and the dehumanizing effects of trauma. The fragmented forms and distorted features suggest a breakdown of traditional representations, perhaps reflecting a crisis of faith or a questioning of established narratives. The presence of what appears to be foliage in the lower right corner introduces an element of natural decay and vulnerability, further reinforcing the sense of fragility and impermanence that permeates the work. The overall effect is one of profound emotional intensity, conveyed through a deliberate rejection of conventional aesthetic norms.