1971 Рtreinte Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

Here we see a composition dominated by fragmented forms and a restricted palette of blues, browns, creams, and blacks. The artist has employed a Cubist approach, deconstructing figures and objects into geometric planes that are then reassembled in a flattened perspective. This results in a sense of disorientation and challenges traditional notions of representation.
The central focus appears to be on the interaction between two figures – one human and one equine – though their forms are heavily abstracted. The human figure is positioned in profile, yet the face is presented frontally, creating a jarring effect that disrupts spatial coherence. A hand reaches out, seemingly towards or over the animals head, suggesting an ambiguous relationship – perhaps connection, restraint, or even dominance.
The equine form is similarly fragmented, with its body rendered as a series of angular shapes and planes. The eye, prominently displayed, conveys a sense of alertness or apprehension. The background consists of broad strokes of blue, which could represent water or sky, but their lack of detail contributes to the overall feeling of abstraction and ambiguity.
The limited color range reinforces the painting’s somber mood. The browns and blacks suggest earthiness and perhaps even darkness, while the creams provide a sense of pallor or fragility. The use of thick brushstrokes adds texture and emphasizes the physicality of the paint itself, drawing attention to the act of creation.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of human-animal interaction, potentially touching upon ideas of control, vulnerability, and the complexities of relationships. The fractured forms could symbolize a breakdown in communication or understanding, while the overall sense of unease suggests an underlying tension. The painting resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with its ambiguities and construct their own meanings from the fragmented imagery.