1933 Minotaure Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a close-up portrait of a hybrid creature, exhibiting characteristics of both human and bull. The figure is rendered in charcoal on paper, with a limited tonal range that emphasizes form and texture over vibrant color. A pronounced sense of volume is achieved through meticulous shading; the artist employed cross-hatching and stippling to create depth and suggest the rough surface of fur or hide.
The creature’s face dominates the composition. The eyes are positioned asymmetrically, one appearing larger than the other, contributing to a feeling of unease and disorientation. A prominent nose, rendered with exaggerated nostrils, directs attention towards an open mouth displaying teeth in what could be interpreted as either a grimace or a snarl. Large, curving horns emerge from the forehead, further emphasizing the creature’s bestial nature.
The artist has chosen to depict the figure in profile, but with a slight turn of the head that allows for a glimpse of the eye on the far side. This subtle gesture introduces a sense of awareness and intelligence into the otherwise monstrous visage. The background is minimally defined, consisting primarily of a soft, diffused tone that serves to isolate the subject and intensify its presence.
Subtextually, this work seems to explore themes of duality and repressed instinct. The combination of human and animal features suggests a struggle between rationality and primal urges. The creature’s expression conveys a sense of anguish or internal conflict, hinting at a psychological complexity beneath the surface appearance. It is possible that the image alludes to concepts of mythic identity, societal anxieties, or the darker aspects of the human psyche. The deliberate distortion of features and the unsettling asymmetry contribute to an atmosphere of dreamlike ambiguity, inviting multiple interpretations and resisting easy categorization.