Francis Picabia

From 1928, Picabia's paintings evolved in style to become what is known as Les Transparences. Multiple layers of transparent images, often without any obvious association with one another, were put together to create startling juxtapositions. The style was also characterised by the influence of history and art from the past. Most notable were the repeated references to Greek and Roman mythology or the use of characters taken from paintings by Botticelli or Leonardo da Vinci. These protagonists would be layered with objects, animals, fish or plants to drastically change the context of the original painting. In the present work, a Madonna, reminiscent of the one in Madonna of the Rocks by Leonardo (fig. 1), gazes pensively at the spectator, while the Christ-like baby reaches out as if blessing a household cat, rather than John the Baptist.  Vines are transposed over these images, possibly a bacchanalian suggestion that again challenges the initially Christian subject. The reactions of the viewer therefore constantly shift as the perception of form gives way to the appearance of other overlaid images that do not immediately have a direct link.

As in many of Picabia's Transparences, the composition in the present work evokes a pensive mood not unlike that found in Renaissance paintings. This sensation is further enhanced by the cool greens, blues and whites which are carefully juxtaposed to create a harmonious composition.

Fig. 1, Leonardo da Vinci, Madonna of the Rocks, circa 1508, oil on panel, The National Gallery, London