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

The composition presents a scene steeped in melancholy and ritualistic solemnity, dominated by a palette of cool blues and greens that contribute to a pervasive atmosphere of grief. Here we see a central figure laid out on a bier, the focal point of a gathering of mourners. The arrangement is not straightforward; it appears as if the individual lies within a space both earthly and ethereal.
Below, a group of figures clad in dark garments surrounds the bier, their postures suggesting deep sorrow or perhaps resignation. Their faces are largely obscured, emphasizing their role as representatives of collective mourning rather than distinct individuals. To the right, a golden structure, possibly an altar or memorial, stands apart, its color offering a stark contrast to the somber tones that permeate the rest of the scene.
Above this earthly plane, a more fantastical realm unfolds. Several figures appear suspended in the air, some riding on horseback, others seemingly floating amidst swirling clouds. These beings are rendered with a degree of abstraction, their forms indistinct and dreamlike. One figure, prominently positioned, appears to be winged, suggesting a connection to mythology or spiritual ascension. The presence of these elevated figures introduces an element of transcendence, hinting at the possibility of release from earthly suffering.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, contributing to the overall sense of emotional turbulence. Lines are blurred, forms are simplified, and colors blend together in a way that evokes a feeling of disorientation and dreamlike unreality. The composition lacks traditional perspective; figures appear flattened and compressed, further enhancing the paintings symbolic nature.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of loss, memory, and the transition between life and death. The juxtaposition of the earthly mourning ritual with the ethereal realm above suggests a belief in an afterlife or a spiritual dimension beyond human comprehension. The ambiguous nature of the figures in the upper portion invites contemplation on the mysteries surrounding mortality and the possibility of transcendence. It is not merely a depiction of a funeral, but rather an evocation of grief’s profound impact and the search for meaning in the face of loss.