85. Bacchic Scene with Minotaur

At first glance, Picasso’s Bacchic Scene with Minotaur, portrays the Minotaur and Dionysus in a jovial, leisurely scene, accompanied by two naked women. The transitory moment captures the Minotaur and Dionysus in a drunken toast, with the the hint of a window draped by a curtain in the background adding a light tone. Picasso’s use of thin lines and no shading further gives an airy and leisurely feel to the composition. Sharply contrasting the light quality of the background are the thick, tangled patches of hair covering the male figures and highlighting the women’s genitalia. The limbs of the figures intertwine to create a sense of fluidity within the lines of the print.

Picasso’s interest in ancient art is evident in many different aspects of this print (as it is throughout the Suite Vollard). The spread legs of Dionysus allude to the Barberini Faun while the upper body of the woman on the right side of the composition reminds the viewer of the Sleeping Ariadne (both famous Hellenistic sculptures). In many of his works, Picasso uses the Minotaur as his alter ego, who conveys intensely violent emotions. The presence of the mythical beast, in this instance, offers the viewer a glimpse into the development of the theme of the Minotaur within the Suite. The first few prints are Apollonian in nature, depicting orderly and sunny scenes, but, as the Suite unravels, Dionysian elements are continuously developed; with the final image in the Minotaur section embodying impending fear and chaos. Throughout the entire Suite Vollard, Picasso explores mythology, identity, sexuality and creativity.

Arianna Finger ’19