1961 Le dВjeuner sur lherbe (Manet) 4 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a group of figures engaged in what appears to be a leisurely meal within a densely wooded setting. Three men and a woman are arranged across the foreground; their postures and gazes suggest a complex interplay of social dynamics and individual contemplation. The color palette is dominated by cool tones – blues, greens, and browns – which contribute to an overall atmosphere of subdued tranquility, yet also hint at underlying tension.
The female figure occupies a central position, seated in a relaxed pose with her body partially exposed. Her skin appears rendered in a monochromatic blue hue, which immediately sets her apart from the male figures and introduces a sense of artifice or detachment. The men are arranged around her; one is seated directly opposite, his gaze averted to the side, while another reclines on what seems to be a draped cloth, seemingly lost in thought. A third man sits slightly behind them, partially obscured by foliage, adding depth to the scene and contributing to an impression of layered observation.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, with visible strokes that emphasize the materiality of the paint and contribute to a sense of immediacy. The background is rendered as a thicket of trees, their forms simplified and abstracted, further emphasizing the figures in the foreground. A scattering of fruit – apples or pears – is placed at the lower edge of the composition, adding a touch of still-life realism amidst the otherwise stylized representation.
Subtleties within the work suggest a commentary on societal norms and artistic conventions. The woman’s nudity, presented without overt sensuality, challenges traditional depictions of female beauty and invites questions about voyeurism and objectification. The mens averted gazes and introspective postures imply a discomfort or unease with the situation, potentially hinting at a critique of male privilege or social awkwardness. The deliberate flattening of perspective and the use of unconventional color choices disrupt the illusion of realism, signaling an interest in exploring the formal qualities of painting itself. Ultimately, the work seems to explore themes of perception, representation, and the complexities of human interaction within a carefully constructed artificial environment.