The artwork entitled “Child with flower,” created by Pablo Picasso in 1945, is an oil on canvas painting that exhibits elements of both Cubism and Surrealism. Measuring 130 x 88.5 cm, this portrait genre painting currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork features a stylized child depicted in a manner consistent with Picasso’s cubist approach. The child is portrayed in an abstract manner with geometric forms breaking up the figure, yet it is clear that the child is holding a flower. The juxtaposition of flat planes and distorted perspective reflects the distinctive traits of Cubism, while the ethereal and dreamlike qualities resonate with Surrealist influences. The color palette is restrained, with the use of blues, greens, whites, and hints of violet adding depth and dimension to the figure. The background is rendered in a way that suggests a spatial ambiguity, characteristic of Picasso’s style during this period. The portrayal captures a sense of innocence and perhaps a contemplative moment, as the child’s gaze is directed off-canvas, inviting viewers to ponder the scene’s larger narrative or symbolic significance.
