1901 Рtude pour La buveuse dabsinthe Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a solitary figure hunched over, seemingly consumed by introspection or despair. The artist employed a limited palette, dominated by shades of blue and green wash, which lends the work a melancholic atmosphere. This monochromatic approach contributes to a sense of isolation and emotional weight.
Here we see a roughly sketched depiction of a person seated, their posture conveying a profound weariness. The head is bowed low, obscuring facial features and reinforcing the impression of inward focus. Arms are wrapped around the body, as if for comfort or protection from an unseen force. The figure’s form is rendered with loose, expressive lines, suggesting a rapid execution and prioritizing emotional impact over precise anatomical detail.
The paper itself appears aged, its edges frayed, which adds to the feeling of fragility and transience. A signature and date (1901) are visible in the lower right corner, providing context for the work’s creation. The simplicity of the composition – a single figure against a dark background – heightens the sense of loneliness and introspection.
Subtly, the drawing evokes themes of alienation and psychological distress. The posture suggests not merely sadness but a deeper state of emotional exhaustion or perhaps even resignation. The limited color range reinforces this somber mood, creating an environment that mirrors the figure’s internal state. It is likely intended as a preliminary study for a larger work, capturing a fleeting moment of human vulnerability and despair.