“Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O)” is one of the most celebrated works by Pablo Picasso, a pivotal figure in the world of modern art. Painted in 1955, it is the final piece in Picasso’s series “Les Femmes d’Alger” (The Women of Algiers), which comprises 15 paintings labeled from A to O. This series was inspired by Eugène Delacroix’s 1834 masterpiece of the same name, reinterpreted through Picasso’s signature cubist and modernist styles.
Picasso created the series as a tribute to both Delacroix and his late friend and fellow artist, Henri Matisse, who had a deep admiration for Orientalist art. In “Les Femmes d’Alger,” Picasso reimagines Delacroix’s scene of women lounging in a harem but presents it with bold geometric abstraction, vibrant color palettes, and an emotional intensity unique to his work.
Version O, in particular, is the most complex and vibrant of the series. It features a group of female figures, fragmented and distorted in the cubist style, set against an interior with a lively interplay of colors. The women are depicted in various poses, some reclining, others seated, surrounded by intricate patterns and objects. Picasso’s use of red, orange, blue, and green creates a dynamic and almost electric composition, emphasizing movement and emotion.
The painting is not just a homage to Delacroix but also reflects Picasso’s evolving artistic language. By blending his cubist approach with elements of Surrealism, Expressionism, and classical influences, he created a piece that feels timeless yet distinctly modern. The work is also layered with political undertones, as Picasso completed it during the Algerian War of Independence, subtly acknowledging the region’s struggles.
In 2015, “Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O)” made headlines when it sold for an astonishing $179.4 million at a Christie’s auction, becoming one of the most expensive paintings ever sold. This sale underscored the painting’s significance in both Picasso’s oeuvre and the broader history of modern art.
Today, “Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O)” is celebrated as a masterpiece that bridges the classical and modern worlds, showcasing Picasso’s genius in transforming inspiration into innovation. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to reinterpret the past and inspire new ways of seeing the world.