1954 Le roi Е cheval et modКle VII Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a scene populated by figures rendered in a simplified, almost schematic style. A central figure, seemingly a monarch or personage of authority, is depicted mounted on a horse. The riders attire suggests historical costuming; the elaborate collar and hat contribute to an impression of regal bearing, though the execution lacks detailed realism. The horse itself is drawn with minimal detail, its form reduced to essential lines.
To the left of this central grouping stands a figure draped in patterned fabric, holding what appears to be a rolled canvas or textile. This individuals posture and gaze are directed towards the mounted figure, suggesting observation or perhaps deference. A chair, rendered with stark black lines, is positioned between the draped figure and the horse, acting as a compositional anchor.
On the right side of the image, another female figure stands in profile. Her pose is somewhat awkward, her body angled away from the central action. The artist has chosen to depict her partially nude, adding an element of vulnerability or exposure to the scene.
The background consists of vertical lines that suggest architectural elements – perhaps windows or partitions – creating a sense of enclosure and defining the space within which these figures exist. The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing black outlines with washes of muted colors – reds, purples, greens, and blues – that contribute to the overall flatness of the image.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of power, observation, and perhaps a commentary on representation itself. The simplified forms and flattened perspective suggest a deliberate distancing from realism, inviting viewers to consider the constructed nature of the scene. The presence of the draped figure holding a canvas hints at an artistic process or a meta-narrative about creation and depiction. The partially nude female figure introduces a note of human fragility within this stylized world. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of theatricality and symbolic weight, despite its seemingly casual execution.