The artwork titled “Minotaur is dying,” created by the illustrious artist Pablo Picasso in 1933, is an etching on paper that embodies the Expressionism movement. It measures 34 x 44.8 cm and is classified within the mythological painting genre. This piece is part of the renowned “Vollard Suite” and is housed at the Musée Picasso in Antibes, France.
The artwork depicts a powerful scene involving the mythical creature known as the Minotaur. The figure of the Minotaur appears to be in a state of vulnerability and anguish, a stark contrast to its usual representation of might and ferocity. The creature’s form is executed with Picasso’s signature expressive line work, showcasing a raw intensity of emotion. Above the central scene, a series of faces appear almost as a witnessing crowd or a chorus, adding to the dramatic narrative of the composition. The simplicity of the etching techniques used—white space contrasting with dark lines—brings stark attention to the pain and mortality of the dying creature, offering a profound commentary on themes such as human brutality, mythology, and existential dread.
