1902 Angel Fernаndez de Soto avec une femme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a scene of intimate interaction between two figures. A male figure, rendered in stark lines and with a pronounced, almost mask-like face, holds a pipe in his mouth. He is positioned close to a female figure who reclines against him, her body partially exposed. The woman’s posture suggests both relaxation and an element of playful abandon; she raises a glass in what appears to be a gesture of celebration or indulgence.
The artist employs a limited palette, primarily utilizing black ink with washes of color – predominantly red for the stockings and boots of the female figure, and blue for parts of her legs. This restricted range contributes to a sense of immediacy and rawness within the work. The lines are fluid yet decisive, conveying movement and an underlying tension between the figures.
The composition is tightly cropped, focusing attention on the physical closeness of the pair. Theres a deliberate lack of background detail; the figures seem isolated against a plain plane, which intensifies their presence and emphasizes the nature of their relationship. The woman’s attire – the stockings and boots – introduces an element of theatricality or perhaps a commentary on societal expectations surrounding femininity and display.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple depiction of intimacy. The male figures masked face could be interpreted as a distancing mechanism, hinting at a potential emotional detachment despite his physical proximity to the woman. The pipe he holds is often associated with contemplation or perhaps even escapism. The woman’s gesture with the glass might signify a desire for distraction or a fleeting moment of pleasure. Overall, the drawing conveys an atmosphere of ambiguous emotion – a blend of closeness and distance, indulgence and restraint – leaving room for multiple interpretations regarding the nature of their connection.