1965 MКre et enfant Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

Here we observe a composition depicting a mother and child, rendered in a style characterized by fragmented forms and a muted palette. The figures are not presented realistically; instead, they appear as deconstructed volumes, assembled with angular planes and simplified features. The mothers face is particularly striking, composed of disparate shapes that suggest an emotional complexity rather than straightforward representation. Her gaze appears directed upwards, conveying a sense of introspection or perhaps even anxiety.
The child clings to the mother’s neck, their form similarly abstracted but possessing a certain vulnerability. Their facial features are minimal, almost ghostly, contributing to a feeling of fragility and dependence. The artist employed a limited range of colors – predominantly whites, creams, blues, and browns – which reinforces the paintings somber mood. The blue hues used for the mother’s dress introduce a touch of coolness that contrasts with the warmer tones of her skin and hair.
The composition lacks depth; figures appear flattened against the background, creating an almost claustrophobic effect. This lack of spatial recession contributes to the sense of emotional intensity. Brushstrokes are visible throughout, adding texture and emphasizing the artist’s hand in the creation process. The deliberate roughness of the application further underscores the fragmented nature of the scene.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of maternal connection, vulnerability, and perhaps even alienation. The fractured forms could be interpreted as a visual representation of emotional turmoil or psychological fragmentation within the mother-child relationship. The upward gaze suggests an attempt at transcendence or escape from immediate circumstances. While the image depicts intimacy through physical contact, the overall tone is not one of simple comfort; rather, it conveys a sense of underlying tension and unspoken anxieties inherent in the complexities of familial bonds. The date inscribed on the lower right corner – 27.10.65 – anchors the work within a specific historical moment, potentially hinting at broader societal or personal contexts influencing its creation.