1929 Le baiser Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

Here we see a fragmented depiction of two figures, likely intended as a single composition representing a kiss or embrace. The artist has broken down traditional representational forms into geometric shapes and planes, employing a limited palette dominated by muted browns, grays, blues, and touches of beige. This approach emphasizes structure over naturalism, prioritizing the deconstruction and reassembly of form.
The figures are not presented in profile or full-face view; instead, we encounter fractured perspectives that suggest simultaneous viewpoints. The left figure is defined by a sharp, angular shape with a dark outline, its face suggested through minimal markings – a single eye and an implied mouth formed by intersecting planes. To the right, another figure echoes this fragmented style, delineated by vertical stripes that create a sense of movement or tension. A similar simplified eye is present here as well.
The background contributes to the overall feeling of abstraction. It’s not a solid space but rather a wash of pale blue and pink hues, applied with visible brushstrokes. This lack of depth further isolates the figures, emphasizing their two-dimensionality and symbolic nature. The colors are subdued, contributing to an atmosphere that is melancholic or introspective rather than overtly joyful.
The composition’s strength lies in its ability to convey intimacy through abstraction. By dismantling recognizable features, the artist invites viewers to engage with the emotional core of the subject – a moment of connection – without relying on conventional representations of beauty or realism. The sharp angles and fractured planes could be interpreted as representing the complexities and potential tensions inherent within even the closest relationships. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, suggesting that the act of kissing transcends mere physical contact, becoming an experience defined by shared space and fragmented perception.