1961 Le dВjeuner sur lherbe (Manet) 7 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a group of figures gathered around a table within what appears to be a wooded area. The palette is dominated by cool tones – blues and greens – which contribute to a somewhat somber atmosphere. Light falls unevenly across the scene, creating areas of stark contrast and obscuring details in shadow.
Here we see three men and two women engaged in an ambiguous activity around a table laden with what seems to be food. The figures are rendered in a stylized manner; their forms are simplified and angular, lacking precise anatomical detail. Their poses appear relaxed, yet theres a sense of detachment or awkwardness among them. One woman sits on the ground near the table, her gaze directed outward, seemingly unengaged with those present. Another reclines languidly against a tree trunk in the background, while a third figure is partially obscured by foliage. The men are seated at the table; one leans forward, his posture suggesting contemplation or perhaps discomfort.
The arrangement of figures and their interaction suggest a deliberate challenge to conventional depictions of leisure and social gatherings. The nudity of the women, presented without apparent shame or apology, disrupts expectations regarding propriety and decorum. This is not a scene of idyllic pastoral beauty but rather one that introduces an element of disquiet and psychological complexity.
The artist’s use of flattened perspective and fragmented forms contributes to this sense of unease. The background appears compressed, almost claustrophobic, further isolating the figures within their peculiar tableau. The overall effect is less about portraying a specific moment in time and more about exploring themes of social convention, voyeurism, and the complexities of human interaction. Theres an underlying tension between the apparent casualness of the scene and the unsettling nature of its presentation.