1950 Affiche du deuxiКme CongrКs mondial des partisans de la paix Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a powerful and evocative depiction of a bird in flight, rendered with a stark simplicity that belies its emotional weight. The artist employed a limited palette – primarily black ink on a cream-colored background – which contributes significantly to the works somber and urgent tone. Brushstrokes are loose and expressive, conveying movement and dynamism rather than precise anatomical detail.
Here we see the bird’s wings extended in an almost frantic manner, suggesting both ascent and struggle. The feathers are not individually delineated but appear as broad, sweeping strokes that merge into one another, creating a sense of turbulent energy. The head is turned sharply to the left, its beak open as if emitting a cry or warning. Below the bird, a band of similar dark markings suggests either a landscape feature – perhaps a horizon line or a tumultuous sea – or potentially represents an abstract symbol of oppression or conflict.
The composition is dominated by the central figure of the bird, which occupies most of the frame. The artist’s signature appears in the lower right corner, executed with a similar gestural quality to the rest of the drawing. This placement feels almost incidental, underscoring the primacy of the image itself over any individual artistic statement.
Given its association with a congress dedicated to peace, the bird can be interpreted as a symbol of hope and liberation struggling against adversity. The agitated posture and forceful strokes suggest a world fraught with conflict, yet the act of flight implies an aspiration towards freedom and reconciliation. The drawing’s raw energy and expressive style evoke a sense of urgency and commitment – a visual call to action for those advocating for peace in a time of global unrest. It is not merely a representation of a bird; it functions as a potent emblem of resilience, defiance, and the enduring human desire for tranquility.