1957 Latelier (Les pigeons) II Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a layered scene, divided into distinct zones that suggest both interior and exterior spaces. A series of pigeon lofts dominates the left side of the canvas. These structures are rendered with bold outlines and a somewhat crude application of paint, emphasizing their functional nature rather than any aesthetic refinement. Within each loft, birds – primarily white pigeons – are nestled within twiggy nests. The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive here, conveying a sense of immediacy and perhaps even the chaotic energy of the birds themselves.
Beyond the lofts, an opening reveals a landscape bathed in a cool, cerulean light. A single bird, darker than those confined to the lofts, soars across this vista. The background features stylized vegetation – tall stalks that could be interpreted as corn or reeds – and a palm tree silhouetted against the sky. This backdrop is not rendered with photographic realism; instead, it possesses a flattened quality and an almost dreamlike atmosphere.
At the base of the composition, a group of rabbits huddle together on a patch of green ground. They are depicted in a similar style to the birds within the lofts – simplified forms and bold outlines. A conical object, possibly a feeding trough or some other utilitarian item, sits near them, adding another element of domesticity to the scene.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of confinement versus freedom, domestication versus wildness, and perhaps even the relationship between creator and creation. The pigeon lofts represent controlled environments, spaces where life is managed and contained. In contrast, the bird in flight embodies liberation and a connection with the natural world. The rabbits, similarly domesticated, occupy a space that seems both protected and limited.
The color palette reinforces these themes; the cool blues of the landscape suggest expansiveness and possibility, while the warmer tones used for the lofts and foreground elements create a sense of enclosure. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation on the boundaries between human intervention and natural processes.