The Three Bathers III (Les Trois baigneuses III)

The Three Bathers III (Les Trois baigneuses III), created by Pablo Picasso in 1923 and published in 1931, is a significant etching that exemplifies the artist’s dynamic engagement with Neoclassicism during the post-World War I era. As a type of print, this work showcases Picasso’s facility with graphic arts, maintaining an emphasis on monumental, simplified forms characteristic of his output in the mid-1920s.

The subject of female bathers placed in a classical, yet undefined, setting was a recurring motif for Picasso. Unlike the fragmented Cubist works that preceded it, this composition emphasizes solid volumes and clear outlines, echoing the "return to order" movement that sought stability and clarity following the chaos of war. The three figures appear sculptural and weighty, their proportions exaggerated to imbue them with an archaic, timeless quality—a visual dialogue with classical antiquity. Though the figures are rendered using the refined technical skill required for etching, Picasso utilizes the medium to maintain a robust sense of presence, emphasizing the density of the forms through careful variations in line.

Although the initial concept for the piece dates to 1923, the deliberate decision to release this limited edition of prints occurred later, in 1931. This delay places the publication of The Three Bathers III (Les Trois baigneuses III) within a period of intense activity for the Spanish master in graphic production. Picasso’s willingness to revisit and disseminate works from earlier periods confirms the enduring importance of the bather theme in his oeuvre. This powerful example of modern printmaking currently resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it serves as a key reference point for understanding Picasso’s stylistic evolution across different media.