1965 Les deux amies Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents two female figures engaged in a close and intimate interaction. One figure reclines on what appears to be a bed or surface covered with a patterned textile – a vibrant mix of red, orange, and yellow hues that dominate the background. The other figure stands above her, holding a mirror which she uses to examine the reclining woman’s face.
The artist employs a distinctive style characterized by angular forms and flattened planes. Facial features are simplified, almost mask-like, with large eyes conveying an intensity of gaze. Skin tones are rendered in cool blues and whites, contrasting sharply with the warm colors of the background. The bodies themselves are elongated and distorted, emphasizing their contours rather than adhering to realistic proportions.
The mirror held by the standing figure is a significant element. It introduces a layer of self-reflection and scrutiny. The act of looking – both the woman being examined and the one doing the examining – suggests themes of identity, perception, and perhaps even voyeurism. Theres an ambiguity to their relationship; it could be interpreted as friendship, intimacy, or something more complex.
The overall effect is unsettling yet compelling. The limited color palette and stylized forms contribute to a sense of emotional distance, while the subject matter – two women in close proximity – hints at deeper psychological narratives. The composition’s lack of spatial depth further intensifies this feeling of confinement and introspection. The artist seems less interested in depicting a literal scene than in exploring the dynamics of human connection through symbolic representation.