The Frugal Repast (Le Repas frugal) from the Saltimbanques series

The Frugal Repast (Le Repas frugal) from the Saltimbanques series by Pablo Picasso, executed in 1904, is a seminal work marking the definitive transition between the artist’s austere Blue Period and the slightly more optimistic Rose Period. This highly regarded etching, a foundational piece of the Saltimbanques corpus, captures the itinerant lives of circus performers and marginalized individuals who fascinated the Spanish artist during his early years in Paris.

The subject matter centers on a man and a woman seated at a bare table, sharing a humble meal. The figures are elongated and gaunt, their forms emphasizing the isolation and poverty inherent in their existence. Characteristic of the melancholy prevalent during this period, Picasso employs dramatic contrast and delicate linear work to create a profound psychological study. The man is nearly sightless, staring blankly ahead, while the woman, positioned close yet distant, rests her hand on his shoulder in a subtle gesture of connection and dependence. The composition relies heavily on the technical possibilities of the etching medium, allowing for deep shadows that accentuate the vulnerability of the subjects.

Though the initial plate for this print was created in 1904, it was subsequently steel-faced and published in 1913 by Ambroise Vollard, securing its place among the most important examples of early 20th-century prints. The meticulous preparation involved in creating this edition highlights Picasso’s evolving mastery of graphic techniques. Today, this essential piece of modern art history, representing Picasso’s profound empathy for the human condition, is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York.