1920 Femme nue au turban Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a seated female figure, rendered in a fluid, almost gestural style. The subject is nude, and her posture suggests a moment of introspection or contemplation. She rests one hand on her head, partially obscuring the hair which is bound by a turban-like headdress. Her gaze is directed upwards and slightly to the left, conveying an air of detachment from the immediate surroundings.
The artist employed a limited range of tonal values, relying primarily on line weight and density to define form and volume. The lines are not consistently precise; they waver and overlap, contributing to a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. This looseness in execution lends the figure a certain vulnerability and avoids any rigid or idealized representation.
The composition is relatively simple, with the figure occupying most of the frame. Theres a suggestion of a background through faint, curving lines at the bottom of the image, but it remains largely undefined, keeping the focus firmly on the subject. The legs are crossed loosely, adding to the relaxed and informal nature of her pose.
Subtleties in the drawing suggest possible interpretations beyond a straightforward depiction of the nude form. The turban itself introduces an element of exoticism or perhaps cultural ambiguity. It could signify a deliberate distancing from Western conventions of beauty or represent a personal symbol for the artist. The upward gaze, combined with the hand placed on the head, might indicate a moment of reverie, a connection to something beyond the visible world, or even a subtle expression of melancholy.
The overall effect is one of quiet intimacy and psychological depth. It’s not merely an anatomical study but rather a portrait that attempts to capture a fleeting emotional state through simplified form and expressive line work.