Girl and goat 1906

Art Historian: Here we are, gazing at Picasso's "Girl and Goat," painted in 1906. An uncanny scene in oil. Editor: Yes, the girl seems to have just strolled straight out of some sun-drenched Mediterranean landscape. But her calm is kind of undercut by the goat and the other child, who appears to be wearing a pot on its head... What's going on in this artwork? What does it all mean? Art Historian: Ah, "mean" is such a bossy word. What it whispers to me is far more interesting. There's this primal connection to nature, right? Think back to ancient myths – nymphs, satyrs, human/animal blends, all frolicking in a pre-industrial paradise. I picture Picasso almost longing for some ancient past. A little saucy if you consider his reputation perhaps? Editor: Definitely an interesting way to interpret it. Although you're saying this picture wasn't necessarily what it seems on the surface? Art Historian: Well my clever art sleuth, could this even be Picasso wrestling with his identity as a painter? Consider those slightly awkward angles, the flattening of the figures. He’s not quite ready to completely break with form just yet, still clinging to it while also clearly trying to tear free. See how the background flattens almost, with colors fighting with form.. Does it resonate? Editor: Oh, wow, that is very fascinating, what with it appearing to be a sort of cross between genres and eras, perhaps, or as if everything is taking place simultaneously... Art Historian: Right? The "girl" looks both innocent and a bit worldly, if that makes any sense... This piece makes me wonder how much we are creatures of both nature and thought... Does that animal somehow echo who she is within, what part of her that’s human and goat? What I see now has altered so drastically. Art, such a mirror!