1964 Le goЦt du bonheur IV Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a stark and unsettling encounter between two figures rendered in a highly stylized manner. The composition is dominated by their close proximity, almost a merging, which immediately establishes a sense of tension and intimacy – or perhaps, violation.
Here we see one figure, seemingly male, with an aggressively textured face; the hair appears as a chaotic mass of short lines, suggesting agitation or even madness. His mouth is open in what could be interpreted as a snarl or a scream, revealing prominent teeth that contribute to a menacing expression. The other figure, presumably female, possesses a more rigid and formalized appearance. Her eyes are large and intensely focused, almost predatory, while her mouth is drawn into an elongated shape that evokes both vulnerability and a strange kind of theatricality. She wears what appears to be an elaborate headdress or crown, adding a layer of symbolic weight to her presence.
The artist employed a limited tonal range – primarily black ink on a cream-colored background – which amplifies the drama and intensifies the emotional impact. Lines are bold and decisive, contributing to the overall sense of immediacy and urgency. The figures’ bodies are distorted and fragmented, characteristic of an expressive style that prioritizes conveying emotion over realistic representation. The female figures breasts are prominently displayed, yet rendered in a manner that feels detached from any conventional notions of beauty or sensuality; they appear almost as architectural elements within the composition.
The background is sparsely detailed, with only faint indications of what might be furniture or a wall, further isolating the figures and concentrating attention on their interaction. The placement of the male figure’s hand upon the females thigh introduces an element of potential coercion or dominance, although this interpretation remains open to debate given the ambiguous nature of the encounter.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore themes of power dynamics, vulnerability, and perhaps even a distorted perception of beauty. The unsettling juxtaposition of aggression and formality suggests a complex psychological landscape where conventional social roles are disrupted and traditional notions of human connection are challenged. It is an image that resists easy interpretation, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable emotions and question the nature of relationships.