1938 Femme dans un fauteuil Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we observe a drawing executed primarily in ink, depicting a seated female figure. The composition is dominated by dense, agitated cross-hatching that defines both form and background, creating a sense of visual turbulence. The subject appears to be reclining in an armchair, though the chair itself is rendered with similar frenetic energy as the figure, blurring the distinction between object and person.
The woman’s posture suggests introspection or perhaps melancholy. Her left hand supports her chin, a gesture often associated with contemplation or weariness. The face is fragmented; features are distorted and rearranged, characteristic of an expressive style prioritizing emotional impact over realistic representation. One eye appears larger than the other, contributing to a sense of asymmetry and psychological unease. The mouth is rendered as a thin, almost grim line, further reinforcing this impression.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. Rather than outlining forms, he employs a network of intersecting lines to build volume and texture. This technique creates a palpable sense of movement and instability. The density of the hatching varies across the figure; areas of greater darkness emphasize contours and create shadows, while lighter zones suggest highlights or planes.
The overall effect is one of psychological complexity and emotional distress. The fragmented form and agitated lines convey a feeling of inner turmoil, suggesting a subject grappling with internal conflict or experiencing profound sadness. The drawing’s stark monochromatic palette intensifies the mood, stripping away any potential for visual distraction and focusing attention on the raw emotion conveyed through line and form. It is possible to interpret this work as an exploration of vulnerability and isolation, reflecting perhaps a broader sense of societal anxiety prevalent during the period in which it was created. The date inscribed at the bottom right corner (22.7.38) provides a specific temporal context for these observations.