Pablo Picasso, the appointment

Description

The appointment shows a subject typically drawn from Parisian nightlife and bohemianism, with a couple hugging and kissing standing in a dimly lit attic, perhaps a chambre de bonne, in front of a bed that suggests a subsequent love encounter. Little is revealed to the viewer's gaze: the faces of the protagonists are hidden by their embrace. However, the contrast between the soft but sinuous slenderness of the woman and the strong and solid grip of the man is evident, whose figure is composed of stronger shading and straighter lines (note the massive square shape of the legs). The asymmetrical but skilful composition in the small painting is striking, with the contrast between the background and the male figure made of prevailing colors while blue and cold greens, and the female figure, set on warm shades of red and the bright white of the petticoat. The brushstrokes are clearly visible and form a sinuous trend linked to the shapes of the figures and objects: it is very likely that Picasso was influenced by the lithographs of Edvard Munch, who imported one of the frequenters of the Barcelona café Els Quatre Gats, where Picasso frequented a circle of artists, exhibited and discussed new artistic trends with them.