1939 Buste de femme au chapeau rayВ Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we observe a portrait bust rendered in a fractured and fragmented style. The subject is a woman wearing a hat, presented against a backdrop of vertical blue-green striations that contribute to a sense of confinement or linearity. The composition immediately draws attention to the deconstruction of form characteristic of Cubism. Facial features are not realistically depicted; instead, they are broken down into geometric planes and rearranged in an unconventional manner. One eye is visible, rendered as a simplified almond shape, while the other is obscured by the angular structure of the face. A prominent nose descends from the central plane, intersecting with the contours of the mouth which appears both open and closed simultaneously.
The hat itself is a complex arrangement of triangular and trapezoidal shapes in shades of purple, green, and brown, further emphasizing the disjunctive nature of the portrait. It dominates the upper portion of the image, almost eclipsing the face beneath. The neck is elongated and angular, merging into shoulders that are suggested rather than fully defined. A dark garment drapes over the shoulders, its folds indicated by sharp lines and planes.
The color palette is restrained but impactful. Earthy tones – browns, oranges, and ochres – are juxtaposed with cooler blues and greens, creating a visual tension. The limited use of white highlights certain facets of the face and hat, drawing attention to their geometric structure.
Subtly, there’s an air of melancholy or introspection conveyed through the subjects expression, despite its fragmented presentation. The obscured eye suggests a sense of hidden emotion or veiled identity. The rigid lines and angular forms might be interpreted as reflecting psychological fragmentation or societal anxieties prevalent during the period in which it was created. The vertical striations behind the figure could symbolize constraints – political, social, or personal – impacting the individual. Overall, the work presents a complex interplay between representation and abstraction, inviting contemplation on themes of identity, perception, and the human condition.