1958 Minotaure Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a composite figure, immediately striking for its unsettling combination of human and animal characteristics. A central, humanoid face is dominated by bovine features: large horns curve dramatically upwards from the temples, while the nose and mouth are rendered with an exaggerated, almost bestial quality. The eyes, positioned high on the face, possess a disconcerting directness, contributing to the overall sense of unease.
The artist employed a limited palette, primarily consisting of muted browns and grays applied in washes over what appears to be a textured ground. This monochromatic scheme reinforces the somber mood and lends an archaic feel to the work. Lines are bold and decisive, outlining the form with a stark clarity that emphasizes its fragmented nature. The figure is not presented realistically; instead, it’s constructed from geometric planes and angles, characteristic of a fractured perspective.
Flanking the head on either side are stylized fish forms, their presence adding another layer of symbolic complexity. These aquatic creatures seem almost grafted onto the central figure, further blurring the boundaries between disparate realms – human, animal, and perhaps even mythological. The inclusion of these fish might allude to themes of transformation or duality, suggesting a being caught between worlds.
The overall effect is one of psychological intensity. Here we see not merely an amalgamation of physical attributes but also a visual exploration of primal instincts, repressed desires, and the darker aspects of human nature. The figure’s ambiguous identity invites contemplation on the complexities of selfhood and the potential for both brutality and vulnerability within a single being. Its a portrait that eschews easy interpretation, instead prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the human condition.