1922 Portrait de Paulo Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a close-up portrait of a young boy, rendered in charcoal on what appears to be paper with a slightly aged or textured surface. The composition is tightly focused on the head and upper shoulders, eliminating any background context and directing full attention to the subject’s features.
Here we see a child depicted in profile, turned slightly towards the viewer. His gaze is directed upwards and to his left, suggesting a moment of contemplation or perhaps observation of something beyond the frame. The artist has captured a sense of youthful roundness in the boys face; the cheeks are full, and the chin appears somewhat prominent. A subtle smile plays on his lips, hinting at an underlying contentment or amusement.
The treatment of light and shadow is particularly noteworthy. Strong contrasts define the contours of the face, emphasizing its three-dimensionality. The artist employed a skillful use of shading to model the forms, creating a sense of volume and weight. Noticeable are the dark patches beneath the chin and along the neck, which contribute to the overall depth of the portrait.
The boy’s hair is depicted with short, choppy strokes, suggesting a casual or unstyled appearance. The texture of the charcoal lends itself well to conveying this informality. The artists handling of the medium allows for a certain softness in the rendering of the eyes, which are rendered with a surprising degree of detail and expressiveness.
Subtly, the drawing conveys an impression of innocence and vulnerability. The close cropping eliminates any sense of narrative or setting, isolating the boy within the confines of the image. This focus intensifies the emotional impact of the portrait, inviting viewers to consider the subjects inner world. It is a study in capturing not just physical likeness but also a fleeting moment of childhood character.