1902 Femme aux bras levВs. JPG Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

Here we observe a drawing executed primarily in charcoal on a light-colored ground. The composition is dominated by a figure of a woman, rendered in a simplified and somewhat stylized manner. She stands in profile, her body elongated and slightly distorted, suggesting an emphasis on emotional expression over anatomical accuracy. Her arms are raised high above her head, the palms open as if in supplication or ecstatic release. The face is dark, features indistinct, contributing to a sense of anonymity and universality rather than individual portraiture.
The artist employed a range of tonal values, from deep blacks defining the silhouette of the figure to lighter greys suggesting volume and form. A notable characteristic is the use of loose, gestural lines, particularly evident in the rendering of the woman’s dress which appears fluid and almost dissolving into the background. To her right, an amorphous mass of swirling charcoal marks creates a sense of movement or perhaps represents an environment that is indistinct and undefined.
The posture of the figure suggests a moment of intense feeling – it could be interpreted as prayer, lamentation, or even a gesture of defiance. The lack of specific contextual details allows for multiple readings; the woman’s expressionless face prevents any definitive interpretation of her emotional state, leaving room for viewer projection and empathy.
The drawings overall effect is one of raw emotion conveyed through simplified forms and expressive mark-making. It evokes a sense of psychological intensity rather than realistic representation. The contrast between the dark figure and the light background further accentuates the drama and emphasizes the woman’s isolation within her environment, or perhaps her connection to something beyond it.