1895 Catalan avec la casquette typique dun paysan Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a collection of rapidly executed figures, seemingly captured in fleeting moments. The composition lacks a central focus; instead, it offers a constellation of observations arranged across the page. A man wearing a distinctive hat dominates the upper portion of the sheet. His profile is rendered with quick strokes, emphasizing the contours of his face and the elaborate construction of his headwear – a dark green base topped with a vibrant red band. The artist’s attention appears primarily directed towards capturing the characteristic details of this individuals attire, suggesting an interest in regional identity or costume study.
Around him, several other figures are sketched with varying degrees of detail. A woman in a long dress is positioned to the left, her form suggested by loose lines and minimal shading. Further down, a man’s face is depicted in profile, his expression unreadable due to the sketchs brevity. The lower right corner features another figure, partially obscured but identifiable as a person holding something – perhaps a shawl or a piece of fabric – close to their body.
The drawing’s technique reinforces its character as a study rather than a finished work. Lines are sketchy and tentative, colors are applied with a light touch, and the overall effect is one of immediacy and spontaneity. The lack of precise detail invites speculation about the circumstances surrounding its creation; it could be a preparatory sketch for a larger composition, a quick record of observations made during travel, or simply an exercise in capturing human form and costume.
Subtly, theres a sense of social observation at play. The focus on regional dress – particularly evident in the prominent depiction of the man’s hat – hints at an interest in documenting cultural distinctions. The figures are not presented as individuals with complex narratives but rather as representatives of a particular place and time, their identities defined by their clothing and posture. This suggests a broader commentary on identity, belonging, and the visual markers that distinguish one group from another.