1944 Coq de la libВration Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a stylized depiction of avian figures set against a fragmented landscape. A dominant rooster figure occupies the central space, rendered in shades of green and blue with vibrant red accents highlighting its comb and beak. The artist employed bold, angular lines to define the form, eschewing naturalistic representation for an expressive simplification. Its posture suggests a sense of vigilance or perhaps even challenge; the head is raised, the gaze directed forward.
To the rooster’s right, a smaller bird, painted in pale blue, appears in profile. It seems to be taking flight, its wings depicted with sharp, geometric shapes that convey movement and lightness. The contrast between the larger, more imposing rooster and the delicate, ascending bird introduces a dynamic tension within the scene.
The background is equally fragmented, constructed from planes of color – pink, yellow, and blue – which lack depth or perspective. A series of tall, thin stalks rise on the left side, resembling stylized plants or reeds, adding verticality to the composition. A triangular shape in ochre sits further back, its purpose ambiguous; it could be interpreted as a symbolic marker within the landscape.
The overall effect is one of heightened emotion and symbolic resonance. The rooster’s assertive presence, coupled with the smaller birds upward trajectory, might suggest themes of liberation or resilience. The fractured background contributes to a sense of instability and upheaval, hinting at a context marked by disruption and change. The deliberate use of color – the red as an accent against the cooler tones – further amplifies the emotional intensity of the work. It is not merely a depiction of birds; it conveys a feeling of hope emerging from a disrupted environment.