The artwork “Faun, horse and bird” is an emblematic piece by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, created in 1936. Picasso’s choice of mediums, including Indian ink and watercolor on paper, lends a distinctive quality to the composition. Measuring 44.2 by 54.4 centimeters, the piece is housed within the Musée Picasso in Paris, France. Reflecting influences from Neoclassicism and Surrealism, it can be classified within the symbolic painting genre.
The artwork presents a trio of entities, each rendered with its own stylistic approach yet harmoniously coexisting within the space. To the left, there appears a figure that can be recognized as a faun—the mythological half-man, half-goat creature—depicted with delicate shading and a contemplative posture. Despite its mythical origins, the figure’s presentation in a somewhat naturalistic form reveals a nod to Neoclassical aesthetics.
In contrast, the central figure is that of a horse, characterized by exaggerated, almost skeletal features and vigorous lines that exude a sense of raw, untamed power. The horse form is stylized, with swirling stripes and an open mouth that conveys a wild, impassioned spirit—an illustration of the Surrealist movement’s exploration of unconscious, fantastical imagery.
To the right, a bird is perched, its form abstracted and simplified. The bird’s presence complements the dynamic interaction between the faun and horse, anchoring the symbolic resonance of the scene. The color palette is muted, consisting mainly of blues and earth tones that imbue the scene with an ethereal quality, while the pictorial space behind the figures suggests a dream-like landscape devoid of strict perspective.
Together, these elements combine to create a dreamscape that challenges the viewer to interpret the relationships and symbolism inherent in the artwork. Each figure exudes its own expressive energy, contributing to the overarching theme of mythical fusion and the examination of the boundary between reality and imagination—a hallmark of Picasso’s diverse and ever-evolving artistic endeavors.
