1922 Acrobate Е cheval Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a figure mounted on horseback. Executed in a single, unbroken line of reddish-brown pigment, it conveys a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The artist has chosen to forgo shading or detailed rendering, opting instead for a linear representation that emphasizes the essential forms.
Here we see a man seated atop an equine subject; his posture is upright, suggesting control and perhaps a degree of formality despite the inherently precarious nature of the activity depicted. He wears what appears to be a tailored jacket with decorative buttons, hinting at a performance or theatrical context. The horse’s anatomy is simplified but recognizable, its legs articulated in a dynamic pose that implies movement.
The drawings starkness and lack of background contribute to an atmosphere of isolation. The absence of any surrounding environment focuses the viewer’s attention solely on the relationship between rider and mount. This pairing could be interpreted as symbolic – representing power dynamics, control versus vulnerability, or perhaps a commentary on the human condition’s inherent instability.
The damaged edge of the paper adds another layer to the works narrative. It suggests fragility, loss, or an incomplete story – a sense that something has been taken away or obscured. This imperfection disrupts any illusion of completeness and invites contemplation about the passage of time and the impermanence of things. The overall effect is one of quiet introspection, prompting consideration of themes related to balance, performance, and the precariousness of existence.