1909 TИte de femme (Fernande Olivier)1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The drawing presents a portrait study, executed in a style characterized by fractured planes and angular forms. The subjects face is deconstructed into geometric shapes, disrupting traditional notions of realistic representation. A muted palette dominates – predominantly greens, browns, and grays – applied with visible brushstrokes that contribute to the overall sense of fragmentation.
Here we see a frontal pose; however, the gaze is averted slightly, creating an ambiguity in the subject’s emotional state. The eyes are rendered as simplified shapes, lacking detail but conveying a certain introspection or perhaps even melancholy. A prominent nose and sharply defined jawline add to the impression of a strong, resolute character.
The hair is depicted with energetic, sweeping lines that suggest movement and volume, yet also contribute to the overall sense of disarray. The background is minimal, consisting of a pale, almost monochromatic field which serves to isolate the figure and emphasize its fragmented form.
Subtly, theres an exploration of perception and representation at play. The artist seems less interested in capturing a likeness than in conveying a psychological impression through the manipulation of form and color. The disjointed nature of the portrait might suggest a questioning of identity or a desire to reveal something beyond the surface appearance. It’s possible that the work aims to capture not just an outward resemblance, but also an internal state – a sense of complexity and perhaps even vulnerability – through its unconventional approach to portraiture.