1938 TИte de femme 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we observe a drawing depicting a female figure, rendered in a style characterized by fragmentation and distortion. The face is not presented as a unified whole but rather as a collection of planes and angles, seemingly viewed from multiple perspectives simultaneously. A central vertical line divides the composition roughly into two halves, each exhibiting distinct features and shading.
The left side of the face displays an eye rendered with considerable detail, set within a flattened plane that obscures much of the nose and mouth. The right side presents a more angular profile, where the eye is similarly detailed but positioned in relation to a sharply defined cheekbone and jawline. These elements are not smoothly integrated; instead, they appear as separate components juxtaposed against one another.
The hair falls in thick, dark strands that frame the face, contributing to the overall sense of density and confinement. The artist employed hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create tonal variations and suggest volume, though these volumes are often contradictory, further emphasizing the fractured nature of the representation. A signature appears in the lower left corner, executed with a similar graphic intensity as the rest of the work.
Subtly, the drawing conveys a sense of psychological complexity or internal conflict. The disjointed features might be interpreted as an exploration of identity – a depiction not of a singular, stable self but rather of a being composed of disparate aspects. The stark contrast between light and shadow contributes to a feeling of unease or melancholy. The deliberate disruption of conventional portraiture suggests a questioning of traditional representations of femininity, hinting at a deeper emotional landscape beyond the surface appearance. It is possible that the work explores themes of trauma or displacement through its visual language.