1938 Femme assise 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a seated female figure rendered in a fragmented and angular style. She occupies nearly the entire vertical space, her posture suggesting introspection or perhaps melancholy. The artist has broken down the form into geometric planes, reassembling them in a manner that defies conventional perspective. This deconstruction is evident in the face, where features are displaced and presented from multiple viewpoints simultaneously – one eye appears larger than the other, and the nose is rendered as a series of intersecting lines rather than a unified shape.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and grays – interspersed with flashes of red and yellow that punctuate the composition. These warmer hues are concentrated on the torso and upper arms, drawing attention to these areas while also contributing to a sense of underlying tension or emotional intensity. The chair itself appears as an extension of the figure’s fragmented form, its structure mirroring the angularity of her body.
The womans hand is raised towards her face, lightly touching her chin; this gesture could be interpreted as one of contemplation, weariness, or even a subtle expression of distress. Her gaze is directed outward, yet seems distant and unfocused, suggesting a state of detachment from her surroundings. The presence of what appears to be jewelry – a bracelet on the left wrist and possibly an earring – introduces a note of refinement or social standing, which contrasts with the overall sense of psychological unease conveyed by the figure’s posture and expression.
The background is largely undefined, contributing to the feeling of isolation and confinement. The date 14.6.38 inscribed in the lower right corner provides a specific temporal context, hinting at a period marked by political instability and social upheaval. This detail subtly imbues the work with an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty, suggesting that the woman’s internal state may be reflective of broader societal concerns. The overall effect is one of psychological complexity and emotional restraint, achieved through a deliberate distortion of form and a carefully considered use of color.