The artwork titled “Angel Fernandez de Soto and his Friend” was created by the acclaimed artist Pablo Picasso in 1903. The medium used for this piece is pastel on paper, and it measures 47.1 by 30.5 centimeters. This portrait is a fine example of the Post-Impressionism movement and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork exhibits two figures, presumably Angel Fernandez de Soto and his companion, engaged in a serene domestic scene. The individual on the left, Angel Fernandez de Soto, is depicted with a somewhat somber expression, his gaze directed away from the viewer, giving an introspective feel to the portrait. His attire is formal, with a dark jacket and a crisp white shirt. On the right, the companion, whose gender appears to be female, is portrayed in a more relaxed manner, with a profile view that suggests contemplation or passive engagement with her surrounding. She wears a vibrantly colored orange garment complemented by a stylish blue hat.
In the forefront of the composition, a table hosts an assortment of objects that provide a glimpse into the setting and life of the subjects. A fruit bowl filled with rounded forms that suggest a carefree arrangement of fruits, a bottle, possibly of wine, and a receptacle, perhaps an ice bucket, add to the narrative of a social or dining event.
Picasso’s choice of pastels allows for a soft texture to emanate from the artwork, with blending colors that suggest the warmth and intimacy of the scene. His use of line and color distinctly reflects the influence of Post-Impressionism, focusing on personal expression and the psychological undercurrents of his subjects rather than strict realism.
In summary, this portrait by Picasso elegantly captures a moment shared between Angel Fernandez de Soto and his friend, employing a pastel palette that conveys the mood and atmosphere of the era in which it was created.
