The artwork titled “Faun unveiling a sleeping girl (Jupiter and Antiope, after Rembrandt)” is a creation by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso from the year 1936. Crafted using the medium of aquatint on paper, it exemplifies the Neoclassical influence in Picasso’s oeuvre. With dimensions measuring 31.6 x 41.7 cm, this mythological painting is a part of the esteemed “Vollard Suite” collection. The piece is preserved and displayed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) located in New York City, NY, USA.
In the artwork, a strong and raw depiction of a faun is presented as he gently pulls back a cloth to reveal a sleeping girl, a scene imbued with mythological resonance inspired by the tale of Jupiter and Antiope. The faun, a symbol often associated with rustic music and untamed nature in mythology, is shown in a moment of curious unveiling. The sleeping girl, portrayed in an uninterrupted state of repose, adds an element of serene contrast to the composition. Picasso’s expertise with aquatint has lent a rich depth of tone and texture, animating this timeless myth with dramatic shadows and a powerful, almost tactile presence. The sense of narrative complexity, coupled with the mythological subject matter, make this artwork a compelling piece within Picasso’s extensive and diverse body of work.
