1897 Science et charitВ2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents a scene within what appears to be a hospital ward or infirmary. A patient lies in a bed dominating the central space, their face partially obscured and suggesting illness or distress. Two figures are clustered around the bed; one seems to be a medical professional, leaning intently towards the patient, while another figure, possibly an older man, observes with a concerned expression.
To the right of the bed stands a woman in what appears to be a nursing uniform. She cradles a baby in her arms, looking directly at the viewer. This juxtaposition is significant; the presence of the infant introduces a sense of hope and continuity amidst the evident suffering depicted within the medical setting. The light source seems to originate from a window on the right side of the room, illuminating the bed and the nursing figure while leaving much of the background in shadow.
The color palette is muted, primarily consisting of grays, greens, and browns, contributing to an atmosphere of somberness and quiet contemplation. Brushstrokes are loose and expressive, lending a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity to the scene. The artist’s technique emphasizes the fragility of human life and the complexities of caregiving.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of compassion, scientific intervention, and maternal nurturing within an environment defined by vulnerability and illness. The contrast between the clinical examination and the comforting presence of the woman with the child suggests a tension between rational medical practice and empathetic human connection. It is possible to interpret this as a commentary on the evolving role of medicine in society at the time, where scientific advancements were increasingly intertwined with charitable acts and personal care.