1917 Femme1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

Here we observe a watercolor depiction of a woman in what appears to be traditional rural attire. The composition is straightforward: she stands centrally within the frame, facing forward with a slight turn towards the viewers left. Her posture suggests a moment captured mid-action; her right arm is raised, as if gesturing or holding something unseen, while her left hand rests on her hip.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by blues, greens, and whites, creating an overall impression of coolness and perhaps suggesting a Mediterranean climate. The background consists of loosely rendered foliage in varying shades of green and blue, contributing to the sense of an outdoor setting. Brushstrokes are visible and expressive, lending a spontaneity to the work.
The woman’s clothing is noteworthy. She wears a white blouse with dark blue trim, a long, dark skirt adorned with patterned bands of yellow and red, and a small cap or headscarf. These details suggest a specific regional identity, possibly indicative of a peasant class or rural worker. The basket she carries further reinforces this association, implying labor or the transport of goods.
Beyond the literal representation, subtexts emerge concerning themes of tradition and work. The woman’s attire speaks to an adherence to cultural heritage, while her posture and the presence of the basket imply a life centered around manual labor. There is a certain dignity in her stance, despite the simplicity of her surroundings and clothing.
The artists choice of watercolor medium contributes to the overall feeling of immediacy and intimacy. The transparency of the paint allows for layering and subtle tonal variations, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The sketch-like quality of the execution suggests that this may be a study or preparatory work, capturing an essential likeness rather than striving for meticulous detail.
The signature at the bottom left corner, along with the date 1917, provides contextual information without explicitly identifying the artist. This dating places the work within a period of significant social and political upheaval in Europe, which may have influenced the subject matter or artistic approach.