1901 Autoportrait3 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The portrait presents a figure set against a backdrop of muted teal. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, facing directly toward the viewer with a solemn expression. He wears a dark coat that dominates much of the composition, its form delineated by stark, angular lines. A neatly trimmed beard and mustache are visible on his face, framing eyes that possess an unsettling intensity.
The artist employed a limited palette, relying heavily on variations within the green-blue range for both the background and the subtle shading of the figure’s skin. The application of paint appears deliberate, with broad strokes contributing to a sense of flatness and minimizing any illusion of depth. This stylistic choice emphasizes the two-dimensionality of the canvas and contributes to an overall feeling of austerity.
The gaze of the subject is particularly striking; it conveys a complex mixture of weariness and quiet determination. The lack of overt emotional display, coupled with the formal arrangement of the composition, suggests a desire for self-scrutiny or perhaps a presentation of stoic resilience.
Subtly, the dark coat could be interpreted as symbolic of burden or responsibility, while the teal background might evoke feelings of melancholy or introspection. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and psychological depth, hinting at an internal struggle or a profound sense of self-awareness. The painting’s simplicity reinforces this impression, stripping away extraneous details to focus on the essence of the individual portrayed.