1939 Portrait de Dora Maar 4 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The portrait presents a figure rendered in a highly fragmented and distorted style. The subjects face is deconstructed into angular planes and overlapping forms, defying conventional notions of realistic representation. A pallid green dominates the complexion, punctuated by patches of yellow and white that disrupt any sense of naturalistic color. The eyes are particularly striking; one is depicted with an unnerving intensity, while the other appears as a circular form embedded within the facial structure. A prominent vertical line bisects the face, further emphasizing its fractured nature.
The hair is suggested by thick, dark strokes that frame the head and contribute to the overall sense of unease. The neck seems elongated and awkwardly positioned, adding to the feeling of displacement. Below the chin, a striped garment introduces a contrasting pattern, though it too appears flattened and integrated into the distorted composition.
The background consists of loosely applied brushstrokes in shades of blue, creating an atmospheric depth that does not offer respite from the unsettling nature of the figure itself. The lack of spatial cues reinforces the sense of confinement and psychological intensity.
Subtly, a feeling of anguish permeates the work. The exaggerated features and disjointed forms suggest emotional turmoil or distress. The unusual positioning of the eyes – one staring directly forward, the other seemingly detached – could be interpreted as representing conflicting perspectives or an internal struggle. The overall effect is one of vulnerability exposed through deliberate disfigurement; it’s a portrait that seems to explore not just physical appearance but also the complexities and potential fragility of the human psyche.