The artwork titled “Mother and son with handkerchief” is a work by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, created in the year 1903. It is reflective of the Expressionism movement and fits within the category of genre painting. This artwork is a poignant depiction of a mother and her child, canvasing the depth of their relationship and the emotional intensity synonymous with Picasso’s early work, particularly from his Blue Period.
In the artwork, a mother tenderly embraces her young child, enveloping the infant with a sense of protection and comfort. Both figures are portrayed with somber, elongated faces that capture the essence of melancholy and deep emotional resonance. The mother’s eyes gaze off into the distance, evoking a contemplative or sorrowful demeanor, while the child looks directly at the viewer, establishing an immediate connection. The artwork is dominated by cool, blue tones which enhance the mood of introspection and sadness that characterize the Blue Period during which Picasso focused on themes of poverty, isolation, and despair.
The use of color is minimal yet deliberate; the blue hue blankets the scene, perhaps indicating the cold discomfort of their circumstances, yet also wraps them in a quiet dignity. The brushstrokes are visible and the texture conveys the rugged reality of their existence. The composition itself is compact, focusing the viewer’s attention on the emotional bond and the poignant interaction between the mother and child, making this piece an evocative example of Picasso’s capacity to express complex human emotions and relationships through art.
