1899 Portrait de Lola, sЬur de lartiste Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a seated figure, rendered in a style characterized by loose lines and washes of color. The subject is a woman, positioned three-quarter view, her posture suggesting introspection or melancholy. She rests her cheek upon her hand, an action that contributes to the overall sense of quiet contemplation.
The artist employed a limited palette; predominantly earth tones – browns, ochres, and blacks – dominate the composition, with touches of white used for highlights on the blouse and skirt. The background is treated more sketchily, utilizing vertical strokes in blue and green hues that create a textured effect rather than representing a specific location. This simplification directs focus towards the figure itself.
The woman’s attire indicates a certain social standing; her dress appears to be of a fashionable design from the late nineteenth century, with a full skirt and puffed sleeves. The details of the clothing are not rendered with meticulous precision but instead suggested through broad strokes and shading, emphasizing form over texture.
There is an immediacy to the drawing’s execution, suggesting it may have been created rapidly or as a study for a larger work. The lines are often hesitant, conveying a sense of spontaneity. This informality contributes to the feeling that we are witnessing a fleeting moment – a private reflection captured in a brief gesture.
The signature appears hastily scrawled in the upper left corner, further reinforcing this impression of an unstudied observation. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and quiet dignity, hinting at a narrative beyond what is explicitly depicted.