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2022, Echoes of the Classical World
Blind Minotaur Led by a Little Girl is a surrealist etching by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. It was part of a series of etchings commissioned by Roger Lacourière in 1934, and depicts a blind Minotaur being led by a child with a bird in her hands, while two fishermen and a boy observe the scene. The Minotaur carries a staff and has his mouth pointed at the sky, as if in agony. The piece both borrows from and subverts ancient Greek myth. The Minotaur is a representation of Picasso’s dark alter-ego, which is characterized by evil thoughts and impulses. The girl is believed to represent his mistress, Marie-Therese, who is leading the evil creature out into the daylight. The subversion occurs when, instead of the Minotaur being killed in the dark by Theseus, he is defeated by a little girl leading him into the light.
Text by David Albertson, Washburn studentLabel
2016, Klassics for Kids
In ancient Greek mythology, the Minotaur was a creature that was half human and half bull. To Picasso he symbolized power, as well as violence and irrationality. Here the beast is blind and subdued. He is led by a little girl holding the dove of peace, possibly a reference to Isaiah 11:6, which states that a “little child will lead” both wild and tamed animals. Christians interpret this Old Testament passage as a prophecy of Christ, which may explain the inclusion of fishermen, the occupation of some of his disciples.
Draw an imaginary half human/half animal. What can your being do?