1965 Centaure Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The sculpture presents a hybrid figure, combining human and equine characteristics in a striking visual arrangement. The lower body is distinctly that of a horse, with articulated legs and hooves rendered in translucent blue glass. Above the equine form rises a torso and head exhibiting humanoid features; a beard, prominent brow ridge, and stylized hair are visible. This upper portion also appears to be constructed from blue glass, though it possesses a darker hue than the lower body, creating a sense of depth and volume. Scattered across both sections of the figure are irregular patches of yellow-gold coloration, seemingly embedded within the glass structure.
The overall impression is one of stylized simplification rather than realistic representation. The anatomy appears somewhat distorted; proportions are elongated and details are minimized. This reduction in detail contributes to an otherworldly quality, suggesting a creature existing outside conventional naturalistic boundaries. The translucency of the material allows light to pass through, creating subtle shifts in color and highlighting the form’s contours.
The choice of materials – glass and gold – introduces layers of symbolic meaning. Glass, often associated with fragility and ephemerality, lends an ethereal quality to the figure. Its transparency suggests a vulnerability or openness. The inclusion of gold, traditionally representing value, divinity, or enlightenment, introduces a contrasting element of preciousness and perhaps even a sense of internal illumination.
The hybrid nature of the creature itself is significant. Combining human intellect and emotion with animalistic instinct evokes themes of duality, conflict, and the inherent tensions within the human condition. The figure’s posture – a slight forward lean – suggests movement or anticipation, imbuing it with a sense of latent energy. It appears poised on the verge of action, yet its stillness suggests an internal struggle or contemplation.
The works aesthetic evokes ancient mythology and folklore, particularly through the centaur archetype. However, the modern materials and stylized execution distance it from traditional representations, suggesting a re-examination of these archetypal narratives within a contemporary context. The sculpture seems to explore themes of transformation, identity, and the complex interplay between human and animal nature, all conveyed through an evocative use of form, color, and material.