1948 Le grand hibou Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

Here we observe a lithograph dominated by stark contrasts between black and cream tones. The central figure is clearly avian, identifiable as an owl through its prominent, large eyes and beak. However, the artist has rendered it in a highly stylized manner, eschewing naturalistic representation for a simplified, almost geometric form.
The composition is structured around a vertical axis, with the owl’s body taking up most of the frame. The wings are depicted as broad planes, their edges delineated by thick, parallel lines that suggest both texture and movement. These lines also contribute to a sense of dynamism within the otherwise static pose. The feet, rendered in a series of rounded shapes, appear somewhat disproportionate to the rest of the body, adding to the overall feeling of deliberate distortion.
The owl’s gaze is directed upwards and slightly to the left, conveying an impression of alertness or perhaps even apprehension. This upward direction draws the viewers eye along with it, creating a subtle sense of tension within the image.
Beyond the immediate depiction of the bird, several subtexts emerge. The stark contrast between light and dark suggests a duality – perhaps representing opposing forces, hidden knowledge, or the interplay between visibility and obscurity. Owls are often associated with wisdom, intuition, and nocturnal observation; therefore, the figure could symbolize these qualities. However, the stylized rendering and the unsettling gaze also introduce an element of ambiguity, preventing any straightforward interpretation. The simplification of form might be read as a commentary on the reduction of complex natural phenomena to essential elements, or perhaps as an exploration of symbolic representation itself.
The artist’s signature appears in the lower left corner, rendered in a fluid script that contrasts with the angularity of the central figure. This small detail serves as a reminder of the human hand involved in creating this image and anchors it within a specific artistic context.