1920 Olga ecrivant Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a figure seated at a writing desk within what appears to be a domestic interior. The subject is rendered in charcoal or graphite on paper, utilizing a limited tonal range that emphasizes form and line over color. A date, 19-2-20, is inscribed in the upper right corner, providing a temporal anchor for the scene.
Here we see a woman engaged in writing; her posture suggests concentration and perhaps introspection. She sits squarely on a simple chair, its structure delineated with quick, decisive strokes. The desk itself is cluttered with papers, hinting at ongoing work or thought processes. A lamp stands beside the desk, casting light that defines the contours of the figure and illuminates the immediate workspace.
The artist’s handling of line contributes significantly to the overall mood. Lines are often broken and hesitant, particularly in defining the drapery of her dress, which suggests a degree of informality or perhaps even a fleeting moment captured. The figures profile is turned slightly away from the viewer, creating a sense of distance and privacy. This positioning invites speculation about what she might be writing – a letter, a diary entry, a work of fiction?
The composition feels intimate and personal. The restricted palette and simplified forms evoke a feeling of quiet contemplation. There’s an underlying melancholy suggested by the figures posture and the subdued lighting; it speaks to themes of solitude and interiority. The scene isnt presented as grand or dramatic, but rather as a glimpse into a private moment of everyday life. It is likely that the artist intended to portray not just a physical likeness, but also an emotional state – one of focused activity tempered by a sense of quiet reflection.