1920 Trois baigneuses1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a scene set on a beach, dominated by three female figures and a vast expanse of water. The artist employed pastel in a limited palette – primarily blues, creams, and browns – to create a sense of muted tranquility.
In the foreground, one woman reclines horizontally upon the sand. Her posture is relaxed; her arm is raised to her head, suggesting a moment of repose or contemplation. A second figure stands upright near her, seated on what appears to be a dark, roughly formed mound – perhaps a rock or a pile of discarded objects. This standing figure’s gaze is directed towards the distance, conveying an air of detachment or observation. The third woman is partially submerged in the water behind them; only her head and upper torso are visible, creating a sense of mystery and elusiveness.
The background consists of a broad band of blue representing the sea, rendered with horizontal strokes that suggest both depth and movement. The horizon line is relatively low, emphasizing the scale of the water and contributing to the overall feeling of openness.
The figures are depicted in a simplified, almost schematic manner; their forms are reduced to essential lines and planes, lacking detailed anatomical rendering. This stylistic choice contributes to an impression of universality rather than individual portraiture. The lack of precise perspective further flattens the space, creating a dreamlike quality.
Subtly, theres a sense of isolation present within the scene. While the figures are grouped together, their postures and gazes suggest a disconnect between them. The reclining woman seems lost in her thoughts, the standing figure appears distant, and the submerged woman is almost spectral. This could be interpreted as an exploration of solitude even within proximity, or perhaps a commentary on the fleeting nature of human connection against the backdrop of vastness. The muted colors and simplified forms reinforce this feeling of quiet introspection, inviting contemplation rather than immediate emotional response.