1938 Deux faunes et nu Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a curious tableau populated by mythological figures and a female nude. Here we observe two fauns – or satyrs – and a reclining woman arranged within a shallow pictorial space. The left-hand figure is dynamically posed, his arms raised in what appears to be either ecstatic celebration or agitated distress. His skin exhibits a striking yellow hue, contrasting with the darker tones of the other figures and background. A striped garment clings to his lower body, emphasizing the musculature.
The faun on the right holds a flute, seemingly engaged in playing for the others. His skin is rendered in an unusual blue tone, which contributes to the overall sense of unreality and dreamlike quality. He appears more passive than his companion, his posture suggesting a detached observation of the scene unfolding before him.
The female figure reclines on a chair, her body presented with a degree of anatomical distortion characteristic of the artist’s style. She wears a wreath upon her head, hinting at a connection to classical mythology and potentially signifying a role beyond that of a mere model. Her expression is difficult to decipher; it could be interpreted as either languid indifference or subtle discomfort.
The background is deliberately ambiguous, consisting of muted greens and browns which serve to flatten the space and focus attention on the figures themselves. The limited color palette – dominated by yellows, blues, and earthy tones – contributes to a sense of melancholy and psychological complexity.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of desire, revelry, and perhaps even alienation. The presence of the fauns, creatures associated with unrestrained pleasure and primal instincts, suggests an exploration of human nature stripped bare of societal constraints. The blue coloration of one satyr could be interpreted as a symbol of melancholy or isolation within this scene of apparent indulgence. The woman’s ambiguous expression introduces a layer of psychological depth, questioning the authenticity of the revelry and hinting at underlying tensions. Overall, the work conveys an atmosphere of unsettling beauty, inviting contemplation on the darker aspects of human experience and the complexities of desire.