Bust of young man 1895

This oil on canvas portrait was made by Pablo Picasso in Barcelona during his formative years. You'll notice the artist's hand in the application of paint. Picasso has built up the figure through a series of expressive brushstrokes, from darker tones in the background, to the light, illuminating the bust of the sitter. His technique gives the body its form and volume, with visible signs of labor on the canvas. We might consider the social context of Picasso's work in Barcelona. A time when the city was undergoing significant industrial development. The Port, a hub of trade and labor, shaped daily life. Picasso's artistic training and the materials he used were tied to the socio-economic conditions around him. Understanding the choices Picasso made in the materiality and creation of this painting helps us move beyond traditional art history, recognizing the connection between art, labor, and society.