1931 Le baiser (Deux tИtes) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents two abstracted human heads in a state of intense physical contact. The figures are rendered with simplified forms and bold colors – a dominant pink for one head and ochre for the other – creating a stark visual contrast that immediately draws attention. Their faces are pressed together, mouths agape in what appears to be an exaggerated expression of passion or distress.
The artist has chosen to depict the subjects from a perspective that emphasizes their proximity; they seem almost fused, with the open mouths forming a central, cavernous space. The interior of these mouths is painted in a deep red, intensifying the sense of raw emotion and physicality. A limited palette contributes to the unsettling nature of the work. The pink head features small, dark dots suggesting eyes, while the ochre head possesses elongated eyelashes that add an element of theatricality or perhaps even vulnerability.
The background is minimal – a series of flat planes in muted tones – which serves to isolate and amplify the intensity of the figures’ interaction. This lack of spatial depth contributes to a claustrophobic feeling, as if the viewer is intruding upon a private and deeply personal moment.
Subtextually, the painting explores themes of intimacy, desire, and perhaps even violence or pain. The exaggerated expressions and distorted features suggest that the depicted kiss is not necessarily one of tenderness but rather an encounter fraught with complex emotions. The merging of the two heads could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of union, yet the open mouths and strained postures hint at a potential loss of individual identity within this connection. The overall effect is unsettling and provocative, challenging conventional notions of romantic affection and exploring the darker aspects of human relationships.