The artwork titled “A simple meal” is a watercolor on paper created by Pablo Picasso in 1904. It measures 24 x 33 cm and falls under the genre painting category within the Naïve Art (Primitivism) art movement. The artwork is currently located at the Beyeler Foundation in Riehen, Switzerland. This depiction is indicative of the more personal and humanistic elements that are characteristic of Picasso’s oeuvre during this period.
The artwork portrays a domestic scene composed of three figures presumably sharing a meal. The use of watercolor imbues the scene with a soft, almost ephemeral quality. The composition appears informal, and the forms are delineated with a free and fluid linearity, typical of Picasso’s explorations during his early years.
The central figure, bearded and with a cap, is engaged in an activity on the table, possibly preparing or distributing the food. The figure’s posture and attire suggest a working-class individual, and his concentrated expression conveys a sense of sincerity and dedication to the task at hand. On the left side of the artwork, we observe two other figures, their attention directed towards the central figure or the items on the table. The presence of the jug suggests the simplicity of the meal, underscoring the humility of the scene being depicted. The overall mood is one of quiet intimacy and the sharing of a simple meal, evoking the simplicity of domestic life and the importance of communal moments.
