“Two Nude Women” along with other pieces, such as “The Lovers” and “The Three Graces,” are typical of the neoclassical style of his work, during this period. “Two Nude Women” is a sketch, drawn with charcoal and pencils. The two naked women are standing side by side, one with her arm around the shoulder of the other, while her companion has her arm around the other’s back. Both women are lightly touching each other’s hands. Despite the tenderness of the embrace, they are not looking at each other. Both staring away, to the distance, seemingly distracted.
There is little colouring in the drawing, the face of one woman is brown, while the other’s arm and part of her face, are coloured the same shade. This gives the impression that the sketch is not fully completed; the outlines are drawn, but most of the colouring is still to be done. The nude figure is, of course, a recurring theme in Picasso’s art. Throughout his life, he painted women, and men in various states of undress, these works are painted in a number of different styles, highlighting the wide variety of Picasso’ artwork. This drawing is a reminder that, despite being famous for different and daring work, Picasso could also produce works of art in a beautiful, classical style.
