1969 Le baiser 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition centers around two figures engaged in a kiss, rendered with a distinctive distortion characteristic of early modern artistic approaches. The artist depicted them in profile and full face simultaneously, creating a fragmented and unsettling effect. Their features are simplified into planes and angles, emphasizing the emotional intensity over realistic representation.
Here we see an interplay of light and shadow that contributes to the overall mood. A warm, ochre-yellow plane dominates the left side of the canvas, contrasting with the cooler tones used for the figures themselves. This juxtaposition creates a sense of confinement or enclosure around the embracing pair. The background is largely undefined, contributing to a feeling of isolation and focusing attention solely on the interaction between the two individuals.
The elongated necks and exaggerated eyes suggest vulnerability and perhaps an almost desperate yearning. Their mouths are pressed together, yet the forms remain angular and somewhat detached, preventing a sense of complete intimacy. This tension introduces a layer of complexity; the kiss is not presented as purely idyllic but rather as fraught with emotion – perhaps longing, anxiety, or even pain.
The presence of the single eye within the yellow plane adds another dimension to the work. It seems to observe the scene from an external perspective, suggesting surveillance or judgment. This element introduces a sense of unease and complicates any straightforward interpretation of the depicted affection.
The artist’s use of broad brushstrokes and visible texture further enhances the emotional rawness of the piece. The lack of precise detail encourages viewers to project their own interpretations onto the scene, making it less about literal representation and more about conveying a feeling or state of mind. Overall, the painting explores themes of intimacy, isolation, and the complexities of human connection through a lens of stylized distortion and emotional intensity.