1937 Portrait de Dora Maar 4 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a figure reclining on what appears to be a bed or sofa. The subject is rendered in charcoal with a loose, expressive style; lines are agitated and overlapping, contributing to a sense of emotional intensity rather than precise representation. A strong emphasis is placed on the head and upper torso, which dominate the composition.
The woman’s face is characterized by large, dark eyes that convey a palpable sadness or melancholy. Her expression is introspective, suggesting a state of deep thought or distress. The artist has used shading to emphasize the hollows of her cheeks and the prominence of her brow, further amplifying this feeling of sorrow. Her hair falls in thick, unruly strands around her face, obscuring some features and adding to the overall sense of disquiet.
The body is depicted with a similar lack of precise detail; the arm resting on the pillow appears almost skeletal, its form defined by rapid, gestural strokes. The surrounding fabric – likely bedding – is rendered in similarly chaotic lines, blurring the boundaries between figure and environment. This creates an atmosphere of confinement or entrapment.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette contributes to its somber mood. The absence of color focuses attention on the interplay of light and shadow, which intensifies the emotional weight of the subjects expression. The sketch feels immediate and raw, as if capturing a fleeting moment of vulnerability.
Subtly, there is an element of fragility present in the depiction; the figure seems vulnerable and exposed. This could be interpreted as a representation of psychological distress or perhaps a commentary on the precariousness of human existence during a period marked by political turmoil and social upheaval. The drawing’s intimate scale further enhances this sense of personal vulnerability.