1898 Portrait de Lola Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a portrait study of a young woman in profile. The artist has employed charcoal on paper, creating a work characterized by its immediacy and textural richness. Here we see a figure positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed towards the left of the composition. Her hair is dark and falls loosely around her shoulders, rendered with quick, energetic strokes that suggest volume and movement.
The woman’s attire consists of a high-necked blouse with delicate ruffles at the collar and cuffs; these details are captured through careful shading and subtle variations in tone. She holds her hands clasped gently against her chest, a gesture which could be interpreted as either modesty or perhaps a quiet introspection. The background is treated simply, consisting of vertical strokes that evoke a curtain or screen, providing minimal distraction from the subject’s presence.
The drawings strength lies in its ability to convey a sense of psychological depth despite its apparent simplicity. There is an underlying melancholy suggested by her expression; it isn’t overtly sorrowful but rather imbued with a quiet pensiveness. The artist has skillfully used light and shadow to sculpt the planes of her face, emphasizing the delicate curve of her cheekbone and the slight downturn of her lips.
The signature in the upper right corner, along with the date 1898, provides contextual information without dictating interpretation. It anchors the work within a specific historical moment while allowing for continued engagement with its inherent ambiguities. The overall effect is one of intimate observation – a fleeting glimpse into the character and mood of an individual captured with remarkable sensitivity.