1902 Dans un cabaret Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents two figures seated at a table within what appears to be a dimly lit cabaret setting. The woman on the left occupies a significant portion of the foreground, her gaze directed towards the man opposite her. Her expression is complex; it conveys a sense of melancholy and perhaps restrained curiosity, while her posture suggests a certain formality or distance. She wears an elaborate hairstyle adorned with flowers, contrasting with the somewhat somber atmosphere.
The male figure, positioned to her right, leans forward slightly, his hands engaged in what seems to be a gesture of offering or sharing – possibly food or drink. His face is partially obscured by shadow and his downward gaze suggests introspection or perhaps a degree of awkwardness. The lighting emphasizes the contours of his brow and cheekbones, lending him an air of quiet intensity.
The table between them serves as a visual barrier, reinforcing the emotional distance between the two individuals. A glass sits on the tabletop, reflecting the ambient light. Behind them, through a window or opening, a blurred landscape is visible, suggesting a world beyond their immediate enclosure. The colors are predominantly cool – blues, greens, and purples – contributing to the overall mood of introspection and subdued drama.
The artist’s use of broad brushstrokes and a somewhat flattened perspective creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Theres an intentional lack of detail in certain areas, which directs attention towards the figures and their interaction. The scene evokes themes of urban alienation, fleeting encounters, and the complexities of human connection within a public space. It’s possible to interpret this as a depiction of a moment suspended in time – a brief, perhaps significant, exchange between two individuals whose relationship remains ambiguous.