1947 Hibou sur une chaise Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a flattened perspective, devoid of traditional depth cues. A central figure, seemingly an owl, dominates the foreground. Its form is rendered in simplified geometric shapes – a dark blue head with large, staring eyes, and a stylized body delineated by sharp lines. The creature perches atop a purple armchair, which itself appears as a series of planes rather than a three-dimensional object.
The color palette is restricted to a few bold hues: the deep blues and blacks of the owl contrast with the green ground plane and the purple chair. A warm peach tone occupies the upper portion of the canvas, acting as a backdrop for a starkly outlined window. The window’s structure is reduced to its essential lines, creating a sense of detachment and observation rather than offering a view into an external world.
The arrangement feels deliberately arbitrary; the owls placement on the chair seems less about natural behavior and more about establishing a visual relationship between these two forms. This lack of narrative context contributes to a feeling of surrealism. The owl’s direct gaze, combined with its unnatural posture, generates a sense of quiet intensity.
Subtly, there is an element of melancholy present. The limited color range and the flattened perspective contribute to a mood that feels isolated and introspective. The window, rather than offering connection, serves as a barrier – a frame through which one observes but does not participate. It suggests a sense of confinement or perhaps a deliberate distancing from reality. The owl’s presence could be interpreted as a symbol of wisdom or solitude, further reinforcing this contemplative atmosphere.