1901 La diseuse Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The pastel drawing presents a vertical composition dominated by a figure in motion. A woman, rendered with elongated proportions and simplified forms, occupies the central space. She is depicted in profile, her body angled diagonally across the frame, suggesting a swift, purposeful movement. Her posture conveys an air of theatricality; one arm is raised, as if gesturing or emphasizing a point, while the other hangs loosely at her side. The dress she wears appears to be long and flowing, its folds indicated by loose strokes of pastel in shades of blue-green and black. A high coiffure, adorned with what seems to be foliage or feathers, frames her face.
Below the woman, a smaller figure is positioned closer to the bottom edge of the drawing. This individual appears to be seated, their features indistinct and somewhat obscured by shadow. The head is tilted downwards, suggesting either attentiveness or perhaps weariness. A sense of intimacy between these two figures is implied, though the distance created by perspective prevents direct interaction.
The background is rendered in muted tones of yellow and brown, creating a warm, hazy atmosphere. Vertical lines are sketched lightly on the right side, possibly indicating architectural elements or stage curtains, further reinforcing the impression of a theatrical setting. The artist’s signature appears at the bottom left corner.
Subtleties within the work hint at themes beyond mere portraiture. The womans dramatic pose and elaborate attire suggest she is a performer – perhaps an actress or fortune teller – engaged in captivating her audience. The smaller figure, seemingly absorbed in her performance, could represent a patron, a fellow artist, or simply another observer captivated by the spectacle. The drawing’s overall effect evokes a sense of fleeting moments, capturing a brief interaction within a larger, undefined narrative. The simplified forms and expressive use of pastel contribute to an atmosphere of immediacy and emotional intensity, characteristic of early modern artistic experimentation.