1896 Autoportrait aux cheveux courts Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The portrait presents a man facing slightly towards the viewer, his gaze directed off-center with a contemplative quality. He is positioned against a dark, almost black background that absorbs light and emphasizes the figures presence. The artist employed a loose, expressive brushstroke throughout, creating a textured surface that lends an immediacy to the depiction.
The man’s hair is cropped short, revealing the contours of his forehead and skull. His features are rendered with a degree of realism, yet softened by the painterly application of color. A subtle play of light across his face highlights the planes of his cheeks and nose, while shadows define the hollows beneath his eyes and along his jawline. The coloring is dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and muted greens – which contribute to a somber yet introspective mood.
He wears what appears to be a dark jacket or coat with a patterned fabric visible beneath the collar of his shirt. This detail suggests an attention to personal presentation, albeit one that doesnt detract from the overall sense of seriousness. The brushwork on the clothing is particularly vigorous, almost abstracting the form and adding to the painting’s dynamic energy.
Beyond the straightforward representation of a man, the work seems to explore themes of self-reflection and identity. The averted gaze suggests an inward focus, as if the subject is engaged in a private dialogue with himself. The cropped hairstyle might be interpreted as a symbolic rejection of conventional appearances or a statement of personal liberation. The dark background serves not only to isolate the figure but also to create a sense of psychological depth, hinting at complexities and perhaps even anxieties that lie beneath the surface. Overall, the painting conveys an impression of quiet intensity and a deliberate exploration of selfhood.