The artwork titled “Paul, the artist’s son, ten years old” is a notable piece by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, completed in 1923. It exemplifies the Neoclassical style, a period during which Picasso’s work was characterized by a return to traditional forms and the influence of classical art. The genre of the artwork is a portrait, capturing a personal subject matter close to the artist’s own life.
The portrait depicts Paul, Picasso’s son, as a young boy perched gracefully atop a donkey. Both figures are poised against a backdrop that hints at a serene landscape. Paul is dressed entirely in white, wearing a suit that seems to be of a soft fabric, accompanied by a white cap that sits snugly on his head. His facial expression is contemplative and serene, his gaze fixed off into the distance. The choice to illustrate his son in such a formal and respectful manner harks back to the classical tradition of portraiture, where subjects were often depicted with a sense of dignity and grace.
Contrasting the boy’s crisp attire, the donkey is draped in a red cloth, which not only provides a vibrant splash of color but also accentuates the status of the rider, suggesting a ceremonial or important occasion. The animal appears calm and well-tamed, resonating with the peaceful and composed demeanor of the boy.
The formal qualities of this Neoclassical work are underscored by the smooth rendering of form and the subtle use of light and shadow, which reveal Picasso’s technical skills beyond the experimental styles he is sometimes more famously associated with. Overall, the portrait harbors a timeless quality and exudes an aura of serene nobility, befitting the intimate and personal nature of its subject.
