1901 Le gourmet (Le gourmand) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents a young child engaged in the act of eating. The figure is centrally positioned before a table draped with fabric, which dominates the lower portion of the canvas. A bowl filled with food occupies the childs focus; they appear to be spooning its contents into their mouth. Beside the bowl sits a small vessel, likely containing a beverage, and a piece of bread or pastry rests on the tablecloth nearby.
The color palette is predominantly cool, saturated in shades of blue and grey. This monochromatic approach lends an unusual stillness and formality to the scene. The child’s clothing – a dress and dark shoes – are rendered in similar hues, contributing to a sense of visual unity. The background is largely obscured by shadow, creating a flattened perspective that minimizes depth cues.
The artists handling of form is noteworthy. The child’s features are simplified, almost mask-like, with large eyes conveying an expression difficult to decipher – perhaps absorption or mild contentment. The body is elongated and somewhat angular, lacking the naturalistic curves typically associated with depictions of children. This stylistic choice contributes to a sense of detachment from reality, emphasizing form over precise representation.
The arrangement of objects on the table suggests a deliberate staging. The placement feels less like an everyday occurrence and more like a carefully constructed tableau. This lends itself to interpretations beyond a simple depiction of a child eating; it could be read as a meditation on consumption, innocence, or even the act of observation itself.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, imbued with a certain melancholy. The limited color range, stylized forms, and formal composition create an atmosphere that transcends mere representation, inviting reflection on themes of childhood, sustenance, and the nature of perception.