The artwork titled “Reading” was created by the esteemed artist Pablo Picasso in 1921. It is a pastel on paper, measuring 62 x 47 cm, and it can be classified as a genre painting within the Neoclassicism movement. The piece is currently held in a private collection.
“Reading” by Picasso portrays a solitary figure engaged in the act of reading. The person, whose gender is ambiguous due to the stylized representation, is seated and leaning their head on one hand, suggesting a moment of deep contemplation or absorption in the text. The figure’s eyes are directed towards an open book resting on a flat surface that is presumably a table. Picasso’s use of pastel has given the artwork a soft yet rich texture, with the subject rendered in hues of earthy tones against a vibrant red background. This color choice creates a strong contrast that emphasizes the tranquility and concentration of the figure. One can interpret a sense of solemnity and intellectual engagement in the subject’s pose and expression, which resonates with the neoclassical influence of returning to order and classical form after the avant-garde disruptions of Cubism. This simpler, more traditional representation marks a distinct period in Picasso’s diverse and transformative artistic career.
