1906 TИte Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The work presents a portrait rendered in watercolor and ink, characterized by a deliberate distortion of facial features and a restricted palette dominated by ochre, blue, and touches of red. The subjects gaze is directed towards the viewer, yet it conveys an unsettling intensity rather than direct engagement.
Here we see a figure whose face appears fractured; planes shift abruptly, creating a sense of angularity and fragmentation. The nose is elongated and flattened, while the eyes are deeply set within shadowed sockets, contributing to a feeling of melancholy or introspection. The mouth is reduced to a thin line, devoid of any discernible expression beyond a potential hint of sadness.
The artist employed broad brushstrokes and washes of color, which contribute to an overall impression of emotional turbulence. The application of ink outlines emphasizes the sharp angles and planes, further accentuating the sense of deconstruction. The limited color range reinforces this mood; the muted tones evoke a feeling of restraint and perhaps even confinement.
The background is largely absent, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the subject’s face. This isolation intensifies the emotional weight of the portrait, suggesting an internal struggle or a profound sense of solitude. Its possible that the artist intended to convey not merely a likeness but also a psychological state – a moment of vulnerability or quiet despair. The signature in the lower right corner is rendered with similar expressive strokes, integrating it into the overall aesthetic of the piece.