1946 TИte de faune vert Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a stylized animal head against a warm, ochre-toned background. The figure is rendered in simplified geometric forms and a limited palette dominated by shades of blue-green, yellow-orange, and brown. A prominent feature is the pair of curved horns that extend upwards from the top of the head, their form echoing the angularity of the overall design.
The face itself is constructed with flat planes; the eyes are indicated by small, triangular shapes positioned above a single, vertical line representing the nose. The mouth is suggested by a slight curve, creating an ambiguous expression that could be interpreted as either serene or subtly melancholic. A large, circular form in yellow-orange sits adjacent to the face, partially obscuring it and contributing to the sense of layered planes characteristic of the artist’s style.
Below the head, a triangular shape emerges from a horizontal band of brown, suggesting a rudimentary neck and upper torso. This grounding element provides stability to the composition while also emphasizing the figures isolation within the pictorial space. The brushwork appears deliberate yet somewhat loose, lending a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the execution.
Subtly, there’s an exploration of duality at play. The cool blues and greens contrast with the warmer yellows and browns, creating visual tension. The simplified forms evoke both primitivism and abstraction, hinting at a connection to ancient iconography while simultaneously pushing towards a more conceptual representation. The figures ambiguous expression invites contemplation about its identity – is it a creature of myth, a symbol of nature, or simply an exploration of form? The overall effect is one of quiet introspection, where the artist seems less interested in depicting a specific animal than in examining the fundamental elements of shape, color, and line.