1923 MaternitВ Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a maternal figure seated and embracing a small child. The composition is intimate, focusing on the connection between mother and offspring. Here we see the woman in a relaxed posture, her body rendered with broad, sweeping lines that suggest both volume and vulnerability. Her gaze is directed towards the child, conveying tenderness and perhaps a quiet contemplation.
The child sits nestled against the woman’s chest, its form similarly sketched with fluid strokes. The artist has emphasized the contours of the childs limbs and torso, highlighting their youthful fragility. There is an absence of detailed facial features in both figures; instead, the focus remains on the overall gesture and emotional resonance of the scene.
The color palette is restricted to warm earth tones – primarily ochre and brown – which contribute to a sense of immediacy and rawness. The lack of shading creates a flat, almost graphic quality that emphasizes the linear nature of the drawing. This stylistic choice lends itself to an impression of spontaneity and direct observation.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of nurture, protection, and the cyclical nature of life. The woman’s posture suggests not only physical closeness but also emotional support and a sense of shared vulnerability. The absence of any background elements further concentrates attention on the relationship between the two figures, elevating it to a universal symbol of maternal connection. Theres an underlying melancholy present; the simplicity of the lines and the muted colors evoke a feeling of quiet introspection rather than exuberant joy.