1917 Cheval ВventrВ Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The artwork presents a distorted equine figure rendered in a stark, almost skeletal style against a heavily textured golden background. The animal is depicted in a dynamic pose – seemingly rearing or struggling – with its neck elongated and contorted at an unnatural angle. Its body appears emaciated, the ribs clearly delineated beneath the skin, contributing to a sense of fragility and distress.
The artist employed a limited palette, primarily utilizing dark lines against the warm yellow ground. This contrast intensifies the drama of the scene and draws attention to the animal’s form. The texture of the background is significant; it appears aged or distressed, perhaps suggesting decay or a sense of historical weight. It also creates an unsettling visual field that seems to press in on the subject.
The composition evokes feelings of anxiety and unease. The unnatural proportions and contorted posture of the animal suggest a departure from naturalism, hinting at psychological turmoil or symbolic representation rather than straightforward depiction. One might interpret this as a commentary on suffering, perhaps reflecting broader societal anxieties prevalent during the period in which it was created.
The absence of any discernible context – no landscape, other figures, or narrative elements – isolates the animal and amplifies its vulnerability. This isolation contributes to the painting’s unsettling atmosphere and invites contemplation about themes of struggle, resilience, and perhaps even existential dread. The overall effect is one of intense emotionality conveyed through a deliberately distorted and fragmented visual language.