1908 Nu Callypige Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

Here we observe a drawing depicting a female figure in a standing pose. The artist has rendered the subject with broad, gestural strokes, prioritizing form and volume over meticulous detail. The medium appears to be charcoal or another dry drawing material on paper, contributing to the work’s tonal range of grays and blacks.
The figures posture is distinctive; she stands with her legs slightly apart, a pronounced curve to her hips and buttocks, and her torso tilted back. Her arms are raised above her head, hands seemingly reaching upwards or perhaps framing her face. The artist has emphasized the roundness of the breasts and abdomen, creating an impression of substantiality and physicality.
The drawing’s style suggests an interest in exploring volume and mass rather than anatomical accuracy. Proportions appear distorted, with a focus on conveying a sense of weight and presence. The lines are loose and expressive, contributing to a dynamic quality that captures movement and energy. There is a deliberate simplification of features; the face is largely undefined, directing attention towards the body’s form.
Subtly, the work seems to engage with notions of femininity beyond conventional beauty standards. The figures robust build and unconventional pose challenge traditional representations of female bodies in art. The upward gesture of her arms could be interpreted as a sign of defiance or an assertion of agency. It is possible that the artist intended to portray not just physical form, but also a sense of inner strength and self-possession.
The drawing’s lack of background further isolates the figure, emphasizing her individual presence and inviting contemplation on themes of identity and representation.