1906 Meneur de cheval nu1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a figure of a young man standing beside a horse. The composition is vertically oriented and dominated by the two figures, which occupy nearly the entire frame. The artist employed a limited tonal range, primarily utilizing brown ink on what appears to be tinted paper, creating a monochromatic effect that emphasizes line work and form over color.
The young man is depicted in a frontal pose, his body rendered with a degree of anatomical simplification. He stands with his hands on his hips, an assertive gesture suggesting control or ownership. His expression is somewhat stoic, bordering on melancholic; the eyes are particularly striking for their directness and lack of overt emotion. The horse is positioned slightly to the left of the man, its head lowered as if allowing itself to be handled. A hand, presumably belonging to the young man, rests upon the horse’s neck, reinforcing a sense of dominion or connection between them.
The drawings style suggests an interest in classical themes and figure studies. The simplification of forms and emphasis on line recall preparatory sketches for larger works, hinting at a process of exploration and refinement. There is a deliberate lack of detailed background; the figures are isolated against the warm tone of the paper, which directs attention solely to their interaction.
Subtextually, the drawing evokes themes of power, control, and perhaps even vulnerability. The young man’s posture conveys authority, but his expression hints at an underlying complexity or sadness. The horse, a symbol often associated with nobility and freedom, appears subdued, suggesting a relinquishing of agency. This dynamic creates a tension between dominance and submission, inviting contemplation on the nature of relationships and the burdens of responsibility. The absence of context further amplifies this ambiguity; we are left to interpret the narrative solely through the interaction of these two figures.