1938 Portrait de femme au col vert (Marie-ThВrКse Walter) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a female figure rendered in a fractured and fragmented style. The subjects face is not presented as a unified whole but rather as a collection of planes and angles, disrupting conventional notions of portraiture. A vibrant green collar dominates the lower portion of the frame, contrasting sharply with the purple background that envelops the figure. This color choice introduces an element of formality or perhaps even theatricality to the scene.
The artist employed a limited palette, primarily consisting of greens, blues, purples, and yellows, applied in broad, flat areas of color. There is little evidence of blending; instead, the colors are juxtaposed directly against one another, creating a sense of visual tension. The application of paint appears deliberate and somewhat rough, contributing to the overall feeling of deconstruction.
The figure’s gaze is direct yet ambiguous. One eye is rendered with a sharp, almost unsettling intensity, while the other is partially obscured or simplified, suggesting a duality in character or perception. A prominent nose, depicted as a stark vertical plane, further emphasizes the geometric nature of the portrait. The hair appears to be styled in an elaborate fashion, incorporating architectural elements that seem to extend beyond the head and into the background. These shapes suggest a blurring of boundaries between the individual and their surroundings.
The subtexts within this work hint at a complex interplay between representation and abstraction. The fragmentation of the figure could signify a psychological exploration, suggesting a breakdown or re-evaluation of identity. The formal elements – the sharp angles, contrasting colors, and flattened planes – create an atmosphere that is both arresting and unsettling. It’s possible to interpret this as a commentary on the instability of perception or the inherent difficulty in capturing the essence of another person. The deliberate distortion moves beyond mere likeness; it aims for something more elusive – perhaps a representation of inner states or emotional complexity. The overall effect is one of controlled chaos, where beauty and disruption coexist within the same frame.