1907 Nu Е la draperie * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The work presents a close-up study of what appears to be an eye and its surrounding features. The artist has chosen to depict this subject through a fractured lens, employing sharp angles and fragmented planes that disrupt any conventional sense of realism. A predominantly ochre palette dominates the composition, with accents of brown and reddish hues adding depth and visual complexity.
The eye itself is rendered as a central focal point, though its form is far from naturalistic. The pupil is suggested by a circular void surrounded by concentric lines, creating an unsettling intensity. Lines radiating outwards from this center contribute to the overall sense of fragmentation and instability. The brow ridge above is sharply defined, appearing almost like a geometric structure rather than organic tissue.
The surrounding area, presumably part of a face or head covering, is treated with similar angularity. Vertical lines are prevalent, creating a pattern that both defines form and contributes to a feeling of confinement. These lines do not flow smoothly; instead, they intersect at abrupt angles, generating a sense of visual tension. The background appears as a flat plane of the same ochre tone, further emphasizing the isolation of the depicted element.
The subtexts within this piece seem to explore themes of perception and representation. By dismantling the conventional image of an eye – a symbol often associated with sight and understanding – the artist challenges the viewers assumptions about how we see and interpret the world. The fractured forms suggest a breakdown in traditional modes of observation, perhaps hinting at a psychological or emotional state characterized by disorientation or anxiety. The limited color palette reinforces this sense of austerity and introspection. Ultimately, the work invites contemplation on the nature of vision itself, questioning its reliability and inherent subjectivity.