1970 Deux hommes et une femme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a tightly clustered group of three figures – two men and a woman – rendered in a frenetic style characterized by dense, swirling lines. The composition is dominated by the central female figure, who occupies the largest portion of the visual space and whose gaze directly engages the viewer. She sits nestled between the two male figures, one positioned on her left and the other on her right.
The artist’s use of line is particularly striking. Rather than outlining forms in a traditional manner, he employs a continuous, interwoven network of lines to define the subjects. These lines are not merely descriptive; they seem to vibrate with an internal energy, creating a sense of movement and agitation. The color palette is limited primarily to blue, red, green, and yellow, applied in varying intensities to further amplify this feeling of unrest.
The faces of the figures are rendered with exaggerated features – large eyes, prominent noses, and thick brows – contributing to an overall impression of emotional intensity. The man on the left displays a particularly pronounced expression, his brow furrowed and his gaze directed outwards, suggesting anxiety or concern. The figure to the right appears more passive, though still enveloped in the same chaotic web of lines.
A subtext of confinement seems to permeate the work. The figures are pressed closely together, their forms almost merging into one another. This proximity could be interpreted as a depiction of intimacy and connection, but also as a visual representation of constraint or entrapment. The density of the linework reinforces this sense of being hemmed in, suggesting an environment that is both claustrophobic and overwhelming.
The artist’s inclusion of dates – 5.11.70.II and 12.11.70 – in the upper right corner provides a temporal anchor to the work, grounding it within a specific historical context. These markings also suggest that this may be a study or sketch rather than a finished piece, further emphasizing the immediacy and raw emotionality of the drawing. The overall effect is one of psychological complexity, hinting at underlying tensions and unspoken narratives within the depicted relationships.