1913 TИte dhomme1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented portrait, constructed from geometric planes and angular forms. A figure, presumably male, dominates the central area, his features deconstructed and rearranged in a manner that defies conventional representation. The face is rendered with stark contrasts of ochre and brown tones, emphasizing sharp angles and fractured lines. One eye appears prominently, depicted as a dark oval punctuated by a thin line suggesting an expression of intense scrutiny or perhaps melancholy. A simplified nose and mouth are indicated through geometric shapes, contributing to the overall sense of abstraction.
To the left of the figure, a cascade of white and grey planes suggests flowing hair, though its form is equally fragmented and stylized. These forms do not blend seamlessly; instead, they exist as distinct blocks, creating a visual tension between the figure’s solidity and the ethereal quality suggested by the hair. The background is similarly divided into rectangular areas, employing a muted palette of greys and browns that further isolates the central subject. A small, circular red form appears in the lower right corner, acting as a focal point that draws attention to this area while also disrupting the overall tonal harmony.
The artist’s signature, discreetly placed in the bottom left corner, is rendered with a deliberate simplicity, echoing the reductive nature of the portrait itself. The work seems to explore themes of perception and representation, questioning the possibility of capturing a complete or unified likeness. By dismantling traditional notions of perspective and form, the author invites viewers to actively engage with the image, piecing together their own interpretation of the subject’s identity and emotional state.
The subtexts embedded within this work hint at a broader commentary on the human condition in an era marked by rapid social and technological change. The fractured nature of the portrait could be interpreted as a reflection of societal fragmentation or the psychological impact of modernity. The intense gaze of the figure suggests introspection, perhaps even alienation, while the overall sense of geometric order implies a search for structure within a chaotic world.