1900 Arrastre (croquis) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The artwork presents a scene of considerable activity and apparent labor, rendered in a loose, expressive style. Here we see a large group of figures engaged in what appears to be a coordinated effort, possibly related to harvesting or transportation. The composition is dominated by the central mass of individuals, clustered around a series of dark shapes that likely represent animals – horses, judging from their profiles – harnessed and pulling something out of view.
The artist employed a limited palette, primarily consisting of yellows, browns, blacks, and touches of blue and pink. This restricted range contributes to a sense of heat and intensity, evoking the conditions under which such labor might be undertaken. The application of color is not precise; instead, it’s gestural and energetic, with broad strokes that suggest movement and urgency.
The upper portion of the composition features a band of figures viewed from below, their faces indistinct and rendered as dark silhouettes against a bright yellow background. This placement creates a sense of scale and emphasizes the collective nature of the activity; these individuals appear to be overseeing or participating in the process from an elevated position. The perspective is unusual, flattening the space and contributing to the overall feeling of dynamism.
The drawing’s subtexts hint at themes of communal effort, social hierarchy, and perhaps even exploitation. The anonymity of many figures suggests a focus on the labor itself rather than individual identities. The bright yellow background could symbolize either the harshness of the environment or a sense of optimism despite difficult conditions. There is an underlying tension between the apparent order of the operation and the chaotic energy conveyed through the brushwork, suggesting that this scene represents more than just a simple depiction of work; it speaks to broader social and economic realities. The sketch-like quality lends a feeling of immediacy and authenticity, as if capturing a fleeting moment in time.