1967 Nu avec deux personnages Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a complex arrangement of figures rendered in a monochromatic palette of black and grey ink washes on paper. Here we see three distinct human forms interacting within a compressed space, their features distorted and fragmented according to principles that prioritize expressive gesture over realistic representation. The composition is dense, with overlapping planes and ambiguous spatial relationships contributing to a sense of claustrophobia and psychological intensity.
The central figure, positioned slightly forward, possesses an elongated head dominated by large, stylized eyes and a prominent nose. This individual appears to be facing the viewer directly, yet their expression remains enigmatic, conveying neither overt joy nor sorrow. The surrounding figures are less clearly defined; one on the left is partially obscured by swirling lines and dark washes, suggesting a sense of confinement or perhaps aggression. The figure on the right exhibits a more agitated quality, with hair rendered as a chaotic mass of scribbled lines that seem to extend beyond the boundaries of the paper itself.
The artist employed a variety of mark-making techniques – from broad, sweeping strokes to delicate, almost frantic scribbles – to create texture and convey emotional weight. The use of ink washes allows for gradations of tone, adding depth and complexity to the forms while simultaneously blurring their outlines. This deliberate ambiguity contributes to the overall sense of unease and psychological tension within the work.
Subtexts embedded in this drawing appear to explore themes of interpersonal relationships, perhaps depicting a moment of confrontation or strained interaction. The distorted features and fragmented bodies suggest an underlying anxiety or emotional turmoil. The compressed space and overlapping forms could be interpreted as symbolic of societal pressures or internal conflicts. The absence of color further emphasizes the starkness and psychological intensity of the scene.
The inscription 27.9.67.I in the upper left corner provides a temporal anchor, situating the work within a specific historical context while also serving as a reminder of the artists process – a direct notation on the artwork itself. This seemingly casual addition reinforces the immediacy and spontaneity of the drawing’s creation.