1901 Le gourmet Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents a young child engaged in the act of eating. The figure is positioned centrally within the frame, facing forward with focused attention directed towards a bowl held in their hands. A spoon is poised mid-action, suggesting a moment captured during the process of feeding.
Here we see a table draped with a loosely arranged cloth that contributes to the overall sense of domesticity and everyday life. The fabric’s folds are rendered with an emphasis on planes rather than flowing curves, creating a somewhat flattened perspective. A small vessel sits adjacent to the bowl, possibly containing a beverage or additional food.
The childs attire consists of a light-colored dress and dark boots, which add visual contrast against the muted tones of the background. The hair is styled in short curls, framing a face that appears both contemplative and slightly detached. A high collar adds another layer to the clothing’s texture and form.
The backdrop is minimal, consisting primarily of a dark, undefined space that serves to isolate the figure and emphasize their presence. This lack of detail contributes to a sense of stillness and introspection. The limited color palette – dominated by blues, whites, and grays – further reinforces this mood of quiet observation.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of childhood innocence and the simple rituals of daily life. There is an underlying feeling of melancholy or detachment; the child’s gaze doesnt meet the viewer’s directly, creating a sense of distance. The formal elements – the flattened perspective, the emphasis on planes, and the restricted color range – suggest a deliberate move away from traditional representational techniques, hinting at a new approach to depicting reality.