1937 La femme qui pleure 11 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a figure, seemingly female, rendered in a style characterized by distortion and fragmentation. The artist employed a limited palette – ochre, brown, grey, and green – applied with visible brushstrokes that contribute to the works textural quality. A wash of color forms the background, creating an atmospheric effect that softens the edges of the figure while simultaneously emphasizing its isolation.
Here we see a face fractured into planes, eyes reduced to simple shapes positioned high on the forehead, suggesting distress or vulnerability. The mouth is contorted in what appears to be a cry; the exaggerated downturn and the visible teeth amplify the sense of anguish. A single tear, depicted as a stark white line, descends from one eye, reinforcing this emotional state. The hair falls loosely around the face, obscuring parts of it and adding to the overall feeling of disarray.
The figure’s posture is significant. She leans forward, her hands raised towards her face in a gesture that could be interpreted as either shielding herself or attempting to stifle sobs. The lines defining her body are angular and abrupt, contributing to the sense of unease and instability.
The works subtexts likely revolve around themes of suffering and despair. Given the date inscribed at the bottom – 24 Octobre 37 – it is plausible that the piece reflects the anxieties and trauma prevalent during a period marked by political turmoil and escalating conflict in Europe. The abstracted form, while unsettling, allows for a universality; it transcends specific biographical details to evoke a more general sense of human pain and loss. The deliberate simplification of features and the use of expressive lines suggest an attempt to convey raw emotion rather than representational accuracy.