1960 Le dВjenuer sur lherbe (Manet) 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a scene of apparent leisure and gathering within a densely vegetated environment. A dominant figure, reclining nude on a checkered blanket, occupies the left foreground. The individuals posture is introspective; one hand covers their face in a gesture that suggests either contemplation or embarrassment. To the right of this central figure sits a man dressed in dark, clerical-like attire, holding what appears to be a shepherd’s crook. His gaze is directed upwards, seemingly detached from the immediate surroundings and the other figures present.
Behind these two individuals, partially obscured by foliage, stand two more figures. One is clad in white robes, with their face tilted upward in an expression that could be interpreted as either amusement or surprise. The second figure remains largely hidden, only a portion of their body visible amidst the greenery. A monkey sits near the reclining nude, adding an element of unexpected and potentially symbolic presence to the group.
The color palette is dominated by shades of green, creating a sense of enclosure and natural abundance. The use of flattened perspective and simplified forms contributes to a feeling of spatial ambiguity; depth is not clearly defined, and figures appear somewhat disjointed from one another. This stylistic approach lends an unsettling quality to the scene, disrupting any conventional notions of realism or harmonious gathering.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of societal propriety, observation, and perhaps even critique. The juxtaposition of a nude figure with formally dressed individuals suggests a challenge to established norms regarding modesty and public display. The monkey’s presence introduces an element of the animalistic or uncivilized, potentially commenting on human behavior or social structures. The upward gazes of several figures imply a disconnect from the immediate reality of the scene, hinting at a broader commentary on perception and engagement with the world. Ultimately, the painting invites viewers to question the nature of observation, the boundaries of acceptable behavior, and the complexities of human interaction within a seemingly idyllic setting.