1947 Hibou Е la chaise sur fond ocrВ Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a stark and somewhat unsettling composition centered around two distinct figures: an owl perched atop a chair, set against a backdrop of geometric forms. The palette is restricted primarily to ochre, black, and white, contributing to the works somber and muted atmosphere.
Here we see the owl as the focal point; its large, intensely focused eyes dominate the scene, conveying a sense of watchful alertness or perhaps even apprehension. Its posture suggests a precarious balance, hinting at vulnerability despite its symbolic association with wisdom and nocturnal observation. The chair it occupies is rendered in a simplified manner, its form reduced to essential lines and planes. It appears solid yet somewhat anonymous, serving more as a platform than an object of interest in itself.
Behind the owl and chair rises a complex structure composed of rectangular blocks, creating a sense of enclosure or confinement. These forms are not depicted with realistic perspective; instead, they appear flattened and layered, contributing to the drawing’s overall feeling of spatial ambiguity. The interplay of light and shadow across these geometric shapes adds depth while simultaneously reinforcing the works dramatic intensity. A strong beam of light illuminates the upper left corner, casting deep shadows that further accentuate the forms and heighten the sense of mystery.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes line and texture. Hatching and cross-hatching are used extensively to create tonal variations and define form. The rough application of charcoal lends a tactile quality to the drawing, suggesting an immediacy and spontaneity in its creation.
Subtly, the arrangement evokes themes of isolation and observation. The owl’s solitary presence on the chair, coupled with the enclosing geometric structure, suggests a sense of detachment from the world. It prompts consideration of what is being observed, and by whom. The limited color palette reinforces this feeling of introspection and quiet contemplation. The date 20.47 inscribed in the upper left corner introduces an element of temporal context, though its precise significance remains open to interpretation; it could be a reference point or simply a marker of creation.