1928 Figure et profil Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a stark juxtaposition of geometric abstraction and simplified figuration. A profile portrait dominates the central space, rendered in bold black lines against a pale beige background. The face is elongated, with prominent eyes positioned above the nose, creating an unsettling, almost alien gaze. The mouth is depicted as a thin, downward curve, suggesting melancholy or introspection.
The figure is framed by a complex arrangement of rectangular forms and linear elements. To the right, a vibrant red field is intersected by vertical yellow stripes, establishing a dynamic visual rhythm. A series of grey-blue blocks are positioned to the left, partially obscuring what appears to be an architectural structure – perhaps a window or doorway – suggesting confinement or observation from beyond. The lower portion features horizontal bands of grey and black, further reinforcing the sense of structured enclosure.
The artist’s use of flattened perspective and limited color palette contributes to a feeling of detachment and emotional austerity. The stark contrast between the simplified portrait and the rigid geometric background creates tension, hinting at a disconnect between individual identity and societal structures or imposed order. The spiral motif in the lower left corner introduces an element of organic movement that subtly disrupts the otherwise rigid composition.
The work seems to explore themes of identity, perception, and the relationship between the individual and their environment. It evokes a sense of psychological introspection, prompting questions about the nature of selfhood within a defined space. The deliberate reduction of form suggests a search for essential qualities, stripping away superficial details to reveal something more fundamental about human existence.