The artwork titled “Minotaur is wounded” was created by the distinguished artist Pablo Picasso in 1933 while he resided in Paris, France. This etching on paper is known for embodying elements of both Expressionism and Neoclassicism. The piece measures 32 cm in height and 45.3 cm in width and can be classified within the genre of mythological painting. It forms part of the renowned Vollard Suite and is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) located in New York City, New York, United States.
The artwork depicts a powerful scene drawn from mythology featuring a minotaur, which is a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull. This mythological figure appears distressed and possibly in a state of vulnerability or pain, hinting at the title “Minotaur is wounded.” Picasso’s etching is characterized by its expressive line work and dynamic composition, which allows the tension and drama of the moment to emerge. Surrounded by a group of onlookers, the figures’ faces exhibit a range of emotions that seem to reflect on the minotaur’s plight. The fluid, almost abstract, quality of the lines and the stark contrast between the dark etched lines and the light paper exemplify Picasso’s mastery of the medium and his ability to convey complex narratives through his art.
