Rendering №4

The headline of the article is Artwork: Reading the Letter, by Pablo Picasso. The article was created on January 23, 2012 and last updated on January 24, 2012. The author of the article is Prin Dumas. The purpose of the article is to give the readers some information about the picture "Reading of Letter" painted by Pablo Picasso in 1921. It is quite beautiful and simple, an oil on canvas.  Its current location is as part of the Musee Picasso's collection in France.

The writer states that the painting depicts two young men, one hovering over the other as they read a letter together.  The mystery in this painting is what makes it special.  Who is the letter from?  Are they sad?  Do they look serious from mere reading concentration?  This is difficult to know.  In fact, this painting has multiple meanings for many who experience it.

The author explains that in the 1920s, letters were announcements from family and dearest friends, updates on deaths, celebrations about marriages and births.  It is certainly an intimate portrayal, and a viewer can say that the two men could be brothers.  They share an interest in the letter, but one of them seems possibly upset while the other provides a hand on the shoulder for comfort.

The writer clarifies that to an American, the image may bring up notions of "Dear John" letters from World War II, but Picasso's painting precedes this culturally popular phenomenon.  So, it is not that.  However, it can still be an early 20th century letter from a love interest who no longer wishes contact with one of these young men.  Anything is possible.

Further the author reports that an art enthusiast may focus on both men's hats.  Both hats have been removed from their heads, implying a gesture of respect may have given, if not merely a sign that both men are indoors!  One man holds his hat in his hand while the other has placed it on the floor beside him.  This makes it possible to believe that the men are reading solemn information.  A death seems likely.  Removing one's hat, even today, is a sign of respect and extends honor and acknowledgement for the deceased.

The author comes to the conclusion that Picasso's "Reading of Letter" is important, because Picasso uses classical art styles in this artwork.  It is not hard to decipher or difficult to view, and by most standards, it is appealing and pretty art.  Although the piece deviates from Picasso's well-known style of abstract paintings, "Reading of Letter" is proof to any abstract-skeptics that Picasso indeed did know how to paint traditionally and quite well.

To my mind, this article is really worth reading. Having read about Picasso's "Reading of Letter", I was very intrigued. Therefore, I immediately looked up this painting by Pablo Picasso on the Internet and I can say that his work is really impressive and enigmatic.