1962 LenlКvement des sabines II (Poussin) * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a chaotic scene populated by numerous figures engaged in what appears to be a violent struggle. The composition is dense and crowded, with bodies intertwined and overlapping, creating a sense of overwhelming disorder. A central group of individuals are depicted reaching upwards, their gestures conveying desperation or perhaps an attempt at rescue. Several figures lie prostrate on the ground, suggesting defeat or injury.
The setting appears to be an urban landscape, characterized by architectural elements reminiscent of classical antiquity. Buildings with arched windows and columns form a backdrop, though they are rendered in a simplified, almost schematic manner. The architecture doesnt seem integral to the narrative; rather, it functions as a stage for the unfolding drama.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. Bold, energetic strokes define the figures and their movements, contributing to the overall feeling of agitation. There is a lack of subtle shading or tonal variation, which emphasizes the graphic quality of the work and directs attention to the forms themselves. The lines are not consistently clean; some appear hesitant or hastily drawn, adding to the sense of immediacy and urgency.
The drawing’s subtexts are complex and open to interpretation. The struggle depicted could be understood as a metaphor for political upheaval, social conflict, or even an internal psychological battle. The classical architectural setting might suggest a commentary on historical cycles of violence and destruction, implying that such events recur throughout human history. The reaching gestures of the central figures introduce a note of hope or resistance amidst the chaos, hinting at the possibility of redemption or escape from the depicted turmoil. The date inscribed in the upper left corner – 26.10.62 – provides a temporal anchor, potentially linking the scene to specific historical events or personal experiences of the artist during that period.