The artwork titled “Le gourmet,” created by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, dates from circa 1901. This oil painting, which belongs to the Post-Impressionism movement, measures 92.8 by 68.3 centimeters. It is a genre painting and is currently housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, United States.
“Le gourmet” presents a tender depiction of a child deeply engrossed in consuming a bowl of food. The use of color and light conveys a certain solemnity and focus, highlighting the simple act of eating as a profound and contemplative moment. The figure is portrayed with a certain roundness and softness, characteristic of Picasso’s works during his early ‘Blue Period,’ where he often depicted the fragile innocence of children and the theme of poverty. The child is seated, grasping the bowl firmly with both hands, and the attentive pose suggests a sense of earnestness and perhaps a deeper underlying narrative of need or hunger. The brush strokes are expressive, with a blend of blues and earth tones that add a somber ambiance to the scene, which is both intimate and poignant.
