The artwork titled “Sebastia Junyer-Vidal as rhapsode” is a creation by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, dating back to the year 1903. This work falls within the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is a portrait by genre. Its dimensions measure 37 x 27 cm. The piece depicts Sebastia Junyer-Vidal in a manner that conveys his occupation of a rhapsode, a person who would recite epic poems or stories, often with musical accompaniment.
In the artwork, the subject appears in a standing position, looking off into the distance. He is holding a scroll in his left hand, which is consistent with the depiction of a rhapsode, who would typically engage in the recitation of literary works. The figure is adorned with a patterned robe and a cape, suggesting a sense of antiquity and connecting to the historical aspect of the rhapsodic role. The artwork is characterized by soft, yet expressive line work and a selective use of color that emphasizes particular elements, such as the garment and the scroll.
The background features a simplified outdoor scenery, where a dog is faintly sketched near the bottom right corner, and what might be interpreted as a lyre is placed in the upper right, contributing to the classical theme of the picture. The skies are illustrated with streaks of blue, while the earthy tones ground the figure in a tranquil environment. Overall, Picasso’s piece exemplifies a fusion of subtle colors and sketch-like lines to evoke the traditional role and contemplative nature conveyed by the subject’s demeanor.
