1959 Picador et torero attendant le paseo de cuadrillas Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a scene steeped in anticipation and ritualistic formality. Here we observe two figures, seemingly participants in a ceremonial procession, flanked by their respective mounts. The figure on the left, adorned in elaborate attire – a dark jacket embellished with floral motifs and a wide-brimmed hat – sits upright upon a horse rendered in stark, simplified form. His posture conveys an air of restrained authority, suggesting a position of importance within the unfolding event.
The second figure, positioned to the right, is similarly attired, though his costume displays a more intricate pattern of ornamentation. He too sits on horseback, and the animal’s head is partially obscured by what appears to be a decorative shield or crest. This element introduces an additional layer of symbolic weight, hinting at lineage, allegiance, or perhaps even a protective role.
The horses themselves are not depicted with naturalistic detail; instead, they are reduced to essential shapes – elongated necks and stylized heads – emphasizing their function as vehicles rather than individual creatures. The background is dominated by vertical lines that create a sense of enclosure and heighten the feeling of formality. These lines also serve to flatten the pictorial space, contributing to an overall effect of abstraction.
The color palette reinforces this impression. A warm ochre tone dominates, contrasting sharply with the dark silhouettes of the figures and horses. This limited range of colors contributes to a graphic quality, reminiscent of woodcut prints or tapestries. The small, stylized flower in the lower left corner provides a subtle counterpoint to the prevailing austerity, perhaps suggesting a fleeting moment of beauty within this structured environment.
Subtly, the work explores themes of tradition, hierarchy, and the tension between individual identity and collective ritual. The figures’ impassive expressions and formal poses suggest a performance – a carefully orchestrated display intended to convey power and maintain order. The obscured faces invite speculation about their inner thoughts and motivations, leaving the viewer to ponder the significance of this silent procession.