The artwork “Marie-Therese as vestal, ensuring the Minotaur asleep” was created by the esteemed artist Pablo Picasso in 1933. An etching on paper, it measures 19.4 x 29.6 cm and exemplifies the Neoclassical style within the genre painting category. This piece forms part of the widely recognized “Vollard Suite” and is housed at the Musée Picasso in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a scene where Marie-Therese, portrayed in a classical vestal fashion, appears to be seated and watching over the slumbering figure of a Minotaur. Picasso’s use of line is expressive and energetic, capturing both the tranquility of the moment and the potential energy of the mythical creature. The Minotaur is mostly obscured but suggested through the dark, sketched outlines behind the translucent curtain, adding a layer of depth and mystique to the composition. The setting is intimate, with strong contrasts between the detailed rendering of the woman and the sparse, abstract quality used to conjure the Minotaur. This etching exemplifies Picasso’s skill in blending classical themes with his own unique modernist approach, resulting in a work that is both timeless and distinctly representative of the artist’s diverse oeuvre.
