The artwork titled “A child with pigeons,” created by Pablo Picasso in 1943, is an oil painting on canvas that exemplifies the characteristics of both the Cubism and Surrealism art movements. Measuring 162 cm by 130 cm, this genre painting portrays an inherently domestic scene, suffused with the innovative visual language for which Picasso is known.
In the artwork, the artist presents a child seated next to a chair upon which a pigeon is perched. The child is notably stylized, with a large, rounded face and disproportionately large eyes that dominate their visage, contributing to a feeling of innocence or wonder. What appears to be the child’s hands are methodically placed on their lap, and they are clothed in apparel with a striped pattern, adding to the texture of the composition.
Picasso’s usage of geometric simplification and fragmentation is evident, aligning with the principles of Cubism, while the juxtaposition of elements and the dream-like atmosphere echo the influences of Surrealism. The background suggests an interior space, perhaps a room, where the play of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and form. The pigeon, rendered with a modest degree of abstraction, stands in contrast to the more heavily stylized representation of the child, which introduces an intriguing interplay between the two subjects. The color palette, while subdued, comprises warm and cool tones that present a harmonious balance within the domestic sphere depicted by the artist.
