1946 Nature morte Е la chouette et aux trois oursins Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a stark, simplified style. A central figure, seemingly an owl or similar avian creature, dominates the visual field. Its face is stylized with large, prominent eyes that command immediate attention. The beak is depicted as a sharp, angular protrusion, and the overall form of the head is reduced to essential geometric shapes.
The background consists of a warm, orange-toned plane which appears almost like a wooden surface, creating a flat, stage-like setting for the objects presented. A vertical element, possibly a post or support, intersects the background on the left side, further emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the work. A thin, horizontal line extends from the owl’s beak towards the right edge of the canvas, acting as an additional compositional device.
Below the owl sits a bowl containing what appear to be sea urchins. These are rendered with spiky, radiating forms that echo the angularity of the owls features and contribute to a sense of visual tension. The bowl itself is outlined in black, defining its shape against the background.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing shades of orange, brown, black, and white. This limited range contributes to the painting’s austere atmosphere. The application of paint appears deliberate, with clear outlines and a lack of subtle blending or shading.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of observation and perception. The owls large eyes suggest an intense gaze, as if scrutinizing the viewer or the objects before it. The sea urchins, with their defensive spines, might symbolize vulnerability or hidden dangers. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, a still moment captured in a simplified, almost symbolic form. There’s a sense of isolation and perhaps even melancholy conveyed through the starkness of the composition and limited color range. The arrangement feels less like a naturalistic depiction and more like an assemblage of symbols intended to evoke specific emotions or ideas.