1908 Femme Е lВventail (AprКs le bal) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a seated figure within what appears to be an armchair or upholstered chair. The subject is rendered in a fragmented and angular style, characteristic of early modern artistic approaches. A limited palette dominates – ochre, brown, grey, and cream tones are employed with sparing use of darker shades.
Here we see the figure’s form deconstructed into geometric planes; the face is simplified to essential features – a straight nose, closed eyes suggesting weariness or introspection, and a tightly bound hairstyle. The body is similarly abstracted, with limbs and torso delineated by sharp angles rather than smooth curves. This fracturing of form denies traditional notions of beauty and naturalism.
The figure holds a fan in her lap, an object often associated with leisure, courtship, and feminine elegance. However, the way it’s presented – held loosely, almost passively – suggests a sense of detachment or resignation. The fan doesnt seem to be actively used; instead, it becomes another element within the overall geometric arrangement.
The chair itself is rendered in similar angular fashion, merging with the figure and creating a sense of enclosure. This spatial ambiguity blurs the boundaries between subject and environment, contributing to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation or melancholy. The background is largely undefined, further emphasizing the isolation of the figure.
Subtly, theres a suggestion of post-event exhaustion. The title hints at a scene following a ball – a moment of respite after social engagement. This reading aligns with the figure’s posture and expression; she appears drained, removed from the vibrancy of the earlier occasion. The painting doesnt depict action or narrative but rather captures a fleeting psychological state – a quiet moment of reflection and perhaps disillusionment.
The overall effect is one of restrained emotion conveyed through formal abstraction. It moves beyond mere portraiture to explore themes of identity, perception, and the complexities of human experience within a rapidly changing social landscape.