Don Quixote (Picasso)
Pablo Picasso's "Don Quixote," also known as "Don Quixote and Sancho Panza," is a minimalist black and white line drawing of Miguel de Cervantes' famous literary characters. Created in 1955, it was published in the French literary weekly Les Lettres Françaises to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the first part of Cervantes' Don Quixote.
The artwork features Don Quixote, depicted as a tall, thin figure on a disproportionately small horse, Rocinante. Beside him, Sancho Panza is shown as a shorter, rounder figure riding a donkey. The composition is striking for its simplicity, utilizing a limited number of expressive lines to capture the essence of the characters' personalities and their iconic relationship.
Despite its minimalist style, the drawing is readily recognizable and has become a widely reproduced image, symbolizing the idealism and folly associated with Don Quixote's character. Picasso's interpretation has contributed significantly to the popular understanding and visual representation of Cervantes' novel and its enduring themes. The drawing exemplifies Picasso's ability to convey complex narratives and emotions through seemingly simple artistic means.