1970 Couple au livre (La lecture) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The artwork presents a close-up view of two figures engaged in a shared activity – reading. Executed in monochrome, the absence of color directs attention towards form and composition. The artist employed a style characterized by elongated features and distorted proportions, reminiscent of early modern artistic movements.
Here we see a male figure seated, his profile turned slightly away from the viewer. He holds an open book, its pages densely filled with text, which he appears to be reading aloud or sharing with the other individual. The female figure is positioned closely beside him, her face tilted towards the book and his mouth. Her features are similarly stylized, with a pronounced nose and large eyes that convey a sense of intense focus.
The figures’ proximity suggests intimacy and shared experience. Their bodies are pressed together, creating a visual unity that emphasizes their connection. The gesture of the woman leaning in to hear the reading implies trust and attentiveness. However, the distortion of their features also introduces an element of abstraction, distancing them from straightforward realism. This stylistic choice may serve to universalize the scene, suggesting a broader commentary on human relationships and communication rather than depicting specific individuals.
The background is starkly dark, almost entirely devoid of detail. This darkness serves to isolate the figures and intensify the focus on their interaction. The limited tonal range contributes to a sense of drama and emotional intensity.
Subtleties within the composition hint at possible interpretations. The book itself could symbolize knowledge, culture, or intellectual pursuits – elements that bind the couple together. Alternatively, the act of reading aloud might represent a form of storytelling or shared narrative, reinforcing their bond through a common experience. The slightly awkward positioning and exaggerated features may also suggest an underlying tension or complexity within the relationship, hinting at the challenges inherent in close human connection.