Created by Pablo Picasso in 1906, the artwork titled “Peasants” is a genre painting that employs watercolor on paper as its medium. Measuring 30 cm by 23.5 cm, the piece is associated with the Symbolism art movement, a period characterized by the representation of ideas through symbols and an emphasis on the meaning behind the forms, lines, shapes, and colors used by the artist.
The artwork presents a scene with multiple figures, seemingly set in a rural environment indicated by the presence of leafy foliage and an open-air context. The dominant color palette consists of earthy tones, complemented by dashes of orange and blue, which add vibrancy to the composition. The figures themselves are depicted in a rather loose, sketch-like manner, capturing the essence of their forms without precise anatomical detailing, which is congruent with the Symbolist movement’s focus on conveying emotion and meaning rather than realistic representation.
One can discern a certain lightness in the brushstrokes, which conveys movement and a sense of spontaneity. The central figures appear to be involved in their daily life, possibly engaged in agricultural tasks or a moment of rest. There is a suggestion of narrative or social commentary, as genre paintings often reflect aspects of everyday life, particularly those of common people or peasants, as indicated by the title. Despite the absence of detailed facial expressions, there is an evocative quality to the figures, hinting at a deeper, perhaps symbolic significance understood within the context of Picasso’s broader artistic explorations during this period.
