The artwork under discussion, created by Pablo Picasso in 1967, is a pencil on paper sketch that is currently held within a private collection. This piece is a classic example of the Naïve Art movement, specifically Primitivism, and is categorized as a sketch and study. The medium and artistic movement highlight the simplicity and rawness typically evident in Picasso’s work from this period.
The artwork depicts a rather whimsical scene involving three figures. On the right, there is a man who appears to be cradling a lamb in his arms, a traditional symbol of innocence and gentleness. The central figure is a man who seems to be deeply engaged in consuming a watermelon, with his attention firmly fixed on the fruit. To the left, there is a flutist, whose entire demeanour suggests a relaxed and casual absorption in playing the flute. The lines are loose and fluid, conveying a sense of movement and immediacy typical of sketches that capture a moment in time. Despite the simplicity of the lines and the somewhat distorted proportions characteristic of Picasso’s style, the figures are depicted with a charming clarity. The interactions between them are left to the viewer’s interpretation, as is common in sketches that serve as studies or explorations of form and composition.
