1951 Le hibou de la mort Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The artwork presents a stylized depiction of a bird, likely an owl, rendered in a restricted palette of browns, blacks, and creams against a textured, off-white background. The artist employed a fragmented approach to form; the creatures body is constructed from angular planes that intersect and overlap, disrupting any sense of naturalistic volume or depth. These geometric shapes create a sense of instability and tension within the composition.
The bird’s head dominates the visual field, its large, staring eyes conveying an unsettling intensity. The beak is sharply defined, jutting forward with a pointed precision. Feathers are suggested through linear markings that further emphasize the fractured nature of the form. The legs appear thin and spindly, terminating in disproportionately large feet.
The background’s texture contributes significantly to the overall effect. It appears to be built up from layers of paint applied with vigorous brushstrokes, creating a sense of movement and unease. This textured backdrop contrasts sharply with the relatively flat planes of the birds body, enhancing its presence while simultaneously isolating it within the composition.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of anxiety and disruption. The fragmented form suggests a breakdown or disintegration, potentially symbolizing psychological distress or societal upheaval. The owl’s intense gaze could be interpreted as a symbol of vigilance, perhaps hinting at an impending threat or a sense of foreboding. The restricted color scheme reinforces this atmosphere of somberness and restraint. The overall impression is one of controlled chaos, where the familiar form of a bird is rendered alien and unsettling through deliberate distortion and abstraction.