“Bull (plate VIII),” a lithograph on paper created by Pablo Picasso in 1946, represents a pivotal work within the context of Cubism. This artwork, with dimensions of 31.6 x 48.8 cm, is categorized as an animal painting and forms part of the “Eleven developments of a lithograph” series. It is housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, USA. The artwork showcases Picasso’s expertise in deconstructing and reassembling forms to capture the essence of the bull, which has been a significant motif throughout his oeuvre.
The artwork presents the viewer with a stylized representation of a bull. Picasso’s mastery of cubist techniques is evident in the use of geometric shapes and fragmented lines that form the body of the bull. The composition is simplified, exhibiting a movement towards abstraction which characterizes the later plates of this series. Notably, considerable attention is given to the delineation of the bull’s musculature and the dynamic posture, conveying both the physical power and the latent energy of the animal. There is a harmonious balance between the stark contrasts of the black lithographic ink and the white of the paper, underscoring the bull’s form through the interplay of light and shadow. The artwork exemplifies Picasso’s innovative approach to form, offering a unique interpretation of the animal that goes beyond a literal depiction to capture its intrinsic qualities.
