1895 Maria Picasso, la mКre de lartiste Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a portrait study, executed in a restrained palette dominated by muted earth tones and creams. Here we see a womans head and shoulders depicted in profile, turned slightly towards the viewer. The artist employed loose brushwork, creating an impressionistic effect where details are suggested rather than precisely rendered. Her hair is dark, falling around her face in soft waves; it appears to have been quickly sketched with broad strokes of charcoal or diluted paint.
The woman’s expression is introspective and melancholic. Her eyes are downcast, suggesting a quiet sadness or perhaps deep thought. The mouth is subtly downturned, reinforcing this sense of introspection. Theres an air of resignation about her posture; she seems withdrawn into herself.
Around the central figure, the artist has included what appear to be preliminary sketches and notations – faint lines and smudges that contribute to a feeling of immediacy and spontaneity. These surrounding marks are not fully integrated with the portrait itself, but rather exist as a visual record of the creative process. They suggest an unfinished quality, hinting at the works status as a study or preparatory sketch.
The background is largely undefined, contributing to the sense of isolation and focusing attention entirely on the woman’s face. The lack of detail in the surrounding space emphasizes her emotional state, creating a contemplative atmosphere. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity tinged with sadness; it conveys an intimate portrayal of a person marked by experience and perhaps hardship.