1934 Minotaure aveugle guidВ par une petite fille Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a complex narrative scene rendered in a fluid, expressive style. A monumental figure dominates the left side of the composition; its head is distinctly bovine, with prominent horns and a thick mane that cascades downwards. The body appears human-like but distorted, suggesting a hybrid creature – a Minotaur – and it leans heavily on what seems to be a staff or pole.
To the right of this figure, a young girl leads the way. She is depicted in a simplified manner, her form small and delicate compared to the imposing presence of the Minotaur. Her gesture – extending an arm forward as if guiding – implies a sense of responsibility and direction. The relationship between the two figures immediately suggests a dynamic of dependence and protection; the powerful creature relies on the innocence and guidance of the child.
The background is characterized by swirling lines and washes of color, creating a dreamlike or hallucinatory atmosphere. A horizontal band of blue delineates what appears to be a shoreline or horizon line, while above it, the sky is filled with chaotic brushstrokes that evoke movement and uncertainty. The use of muted tones – primarily browns, grays, and blues – contributes to a melancholic mood.
The drawing’s subtexts are layered and open to interpretation. The Minotaur, often associated with primal instincts, darkness, and the labyrinthine aspects of the human psyche, is presented as vulnerable and reliant on external guidance. This vulnerability contrasts sharply with its imposing physical presence. The young girl, in turn, embodies hope, innocence, and perhaps a symbolic representation of reason or compassion capable of leading even the most monstrous forces towards redemption.
The overall composition suggests themes of mentorship, responsibility, and the potential for reconciliation between opposing forces – the bestial and the humane, darkness and light. The drawing’s ambiguity allows for multiple readings, inviting contemplation on the nature of guidance, vulnerability, and the possibility of finding direction even in chaotic circumstances.