The artwork titled “Science and Charity,” created by artist Pablo Picasso in 1897 in Barcelona, Spain, is an oil on canvas creation that exemplifies the Realism art movement. It spans the dimensions of 197 by 249.5 cm and classifies as genre painting. Currently, it is housed in the Museu Picasso in Barcelona, Spain.
“Science and Charity” illustrates a poignant scene imbued with themes of care and compassion juxtaposed against objective scientific inquiry. The tableau features a doctor, presumably representing the science element, who solemnly takes the pulse of a patient lying in bed, her body language exuding a sense of languor and resignation towards her ailment. The composition is balanced by the presence of a charitable nun, who cradles an infant—both embracing the ideals of charity and nurturing compassion. Their somber expressions and the subdued tonality of the surroundings add to the gravity of the scene, underscoring the duality of human experience in moments of illness—the clinical detachment of medical science, alongside the warmth and solace offered by human kindness.
The grandeur of the dimensions contributes to the immersive experience, as viewers are drawn into the intimate space of an ailing individual, confronted with the existential complexities of life, health, and suffering. Picasso’s skillful rendering through the Realist lens captures minute details and textures, from the handling of the light to the rendering of the furnishings and garments, revealing an acute observational capacity and proficiency in conveying a narrative through visual means.
