“The Frugal Repast” is an exemplary work of Pablo Picasso from 1904, showcasing the artist’s skill in the medium of etching on paper. The artwork, which measures 46.5 x 37.6 cm, is a product of the Expressionism movement and falls under the genre painting category. It is housed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork depicts a sober and engaging scene of two figures, likely a man and a woman, seated at a barren table. The stark setting suggests a sense of poverty and deprivation. Both individuals appear gaunt and contemplative, reflecting the essence of a frugal meal suggested by the title. The man, wearing a hat, looks outwards with a concerned expression, while the woman, in a state of undress, rests her chin on her hand, seemingly lost in thought. A bottle, an empty glass, and a plate with some bread crumbs are the only objects on the table—a symbolic representation of their scant sustenance. Picasso’s use of line and light conveys a palpable sense of hardship, imbuing the work with emotional depth that resonates with the struggles of the human condition—a theme that is quintessential to Expressionism. The intensity of the figures’ expressions and the austere setting combine to create a powerful narrative about scarcity and endurance.
