1901 Femmes Е la fontaine Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents three figures arranged in a triangular formation against a warm, ochre-toned background. The central figure is a woman holding a child close to her chest; she gazes forward with a directness that commands attention. To her right stands another woman, slightly taller and positioned at an angle, also looking ahead. Both women are adorned with elaborate head coverings, suggesting a specific cultural or regional identity.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by blues, greens, browns, and the aforementioned ochre. The application of color is not naturalistic; instead, it appears to be used for structural purposes, defining form and volume through tonal shifts rather than mimicking observed hues. This contributes to a sense of flattened space and an emphasis on geometric relationships between the figures.
The child’s face is rendered with a quiet solemnity, its eyes downcast, creating a contrast with the forward gaze of the women. The lines delineating the figures are bold and somewhat angular, contributing to a feeling of austerity and perhaps even a degree of emotional distance. A sketch-like quality pervades the work; visible underdrawing suggests an initial exploration of form and composition before the final application of color.
The background is ambiguous, hinting at architectural elements or foliage but remaining largely undefined. This lack of detail focuses attention squarely on the figures themselves. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and a sense of shared experience, possibly depicting rural laborers or women engaged in daily life. Theres an underlying melancholy conveyed through the subdued color scheme and the introspective expressions of the subjects; it evokes themes of labor, community, and perhaps even hardship.