1938 Faune blessВ et femme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a scene populated by two figures set against a pale blue-grey background. A woman occupies the left portion of the composition; she is seated, her posture suggesting both composure and a degree of detachment. Her gaze is directed towards the other figure, yet it lacks direct engagement. The artist rendered her with elongated features characteristic of a stylized aesthetic, emphasizing large eyes and a simplified nose. She holds a small mirror in one hand and a stemmed glass in the other, elements that introduce an air of ritual or self-reflection.
To her right sits a creature possessing distinctly bestial attributes. This figure’s face is dominated by a prominent horn emerging from its forehead, alongside a thick beard and stylized eyes – one of which appears to be an all-seeing eye. The artist depicted the being with a vulnerable posture; it rests on one arm, seemingly wounded or in pain. A small sprig or branch protrudes from behind its ear, adding another layer of symbolic complexity.
The composition is structured around a diagonal line that runs from the woman’s seated position to the creatures reclining form. This creates a visual tension between them, suggesting an imbalance of power or emotional distance. The limited palette and monochromatic rendering contribute to a sense of melancholy and introspection.
Subtexts within this drawing appear to explore themes of vulnerability, observation, and perhaps even the duality of human nature. The woman’s detached gaze and ritualistic actions could be interpreted as representing a form of passive witnessing or judgment. The wounded creature, with its bestial features and all-seeing eye, might symbolize suffering, primal instincts, or a distorted perception of reality. The mirror held by the woman introduces an element of self-awareness and reflection, while the glass suggests indulgence or perhaps a futile attempt to find solace. Overall, the drawing evokes a sense of unease and ambiguity, prompting contemplation on the complexities of human relationships and the darker aspects of existence.