1901 Lenterrement de casagemas Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents a scene steeped in mourning and ritualistic solemnity, dominated by a somber palette of blues, blacks, and muted yellows. Here we see a group of figures clustered around a central figure lying prone on what appears to be a raised platform or bier. Their attire suggests formal mourning; dark robes and head coverings are prevalent. The arrangement is tightly packed, conveying a sense of collective grief and confinement.
Above this earthly scene, the artist depicted a more ethereal realm. A procession ascends towards a luminous space, populated by figures seemingly engaged in some form of celestial transport. A white horse, often symbolic of death or transition, pulls a chariot-like structure, carrying what appears to be the soul of the deceased. Other figures appear to be either guiding this procession or observing it with expressions that are difficult to decipher – perhaps sorrow, resignation, or even awe.
The background is rendered in swirling brushstrokes of blue and grey, evoking a sense of vastness and mystery. This atmospheric treatment contributes to the overall feeling of transcendence, suggesting a passage from one state of being to another. The stark contrast between the grounded figures below and the elevated procession above creates a visual separation, emphasizing the divide between the mortal world and an afterlife or spiritual realm.
The painting’s subtexts are complex and layered. The presence of the horse immediately introduces themes of mortality and transition. The tightly grouped mourners suggest not only grief but also societal expectations surrounding death and mourning rituals. The figures in the upper register, with their ambiguous expressions, invite contemplation on the nature of the souls journey and the mysteries beyond human comprehension. There is a palpable sense of melancholy and loss, yet also an underlying suggestion of hope or acceptance regarding the inevitable end. The overall effect is one of profound emotional weight, prompting reflection on themes of death, grief, spirituality, and the enduring power of collective ritual.