The Minotaur (painting)

The Minotaur is a title given to several artworks, most notably a series of works by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso focusing on the mythical creature of the same name. These works, primarily created in the 1930s, explore themes of duality, bestiality, and the internal struggles of the artist.

Picasso's Minotaur imagery frequently appears in etchings, aquatints, and drypoints, often depicting scenes of violence, tenderness, and introspection. The Minotaur, for Picasso, was often considered an alter ego, representing his own inner turmoil and desires. He used the figure to explore themes of lust, passion, and the dark side of human nature, alongside more gentle and vulnerable portrayals.

Key works featuring the Minotaur include:

• Minotauromachy (1935): A complex and allegorical etching considered one of Picasso's most important prints. It depicts a scene involving a Minotaur, a young girl holding a light, a wounded horse, and other symbolic figures.

• Various other prints and drawings from the 1930s, often depicting the Minotaur in different contexts, such as drinking, sleeping, or interacting with female figures.

The Minotaur motif is deeply embedded within the context of Surrealism, which was a significant influence on Picasso's work during this period. The exploration of subconscious desires and the merging of human and animalistic qualities were central to the Surrealist movement, making the Minotaur a fitting subject for Picasso's artistic exploration. The works are held in numerous museum collections worldwide.