1945 Enfant Е la fleur Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a solitary figure, seemingly a child, positioned against a backdrop divided between blue and green planes. The individual is rendered in a fragmented style, characteristic of analytical cubism. Facial features are distinctly separated; one side displays a nose and eye while the other remains largely blank, creating an unsettling asymmetry that disrupts conventional notions of portraiture.
The figure’s body is similarly deconstructed, with geometric shapes defining limbs and torso. A prominent white shape descends from the shoulder area, intersecting with the blue fabric of what appears to be a jacket or tunic. The child holds a small flower in their hand, its delicate form contrasting sharply with the angularity of the surrounding elements.
The ground plane is delineated by a broad band of green, which transitions into darker tones towards the lower edge of the canvas. This creates a sense of depth and anchors the figure within the scene. The blue background appears to be an abstracted sky or space, devoid of any recognizable naturalistic features.
Subtleties in color and form suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple depiction of a child with a flower. The stark division of the face could symbolize duality, loss, or perhaps the fractured experience of trauma. The absence of expression on one side hints at an emotional void or suppressed feelings. The flower itself might represent innocence, hope, or remembrance – a fragile symbol held within this context of fragmentation and ambiguity.
The overall effect is one of melancholy and quiet contemplation. The artist seems to be exploring themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the enduring power of simple beauty in the face of adversity. The deliberate distortion and simplification of form serve not to obscure meaning but rather to amplify it, inviting a deeper engagement with the emotional weight of the subject matter.