1940 Femme assise aux bras levВs 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The work presents a fragmented female figure seated within a defined spatial structure. Here we observe a deliberate distortion of form; the body is rendered in angular planes and flattened perspectives, eschewing naturalistic representation. The palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochre, brown, and muted greens – contrasted with areas of intense blue and orange that create visual tension.
The figure’s posture is striking: arms raised above her head, a gesture that could be interpreted as either supplication, defiance, or an attempt to reach beyond the confines of her immediate environment. The face is reduced to essential features – a single eye, a suggestion of a mouth – lacking in detail and conveying a sense of anonymity or perhaps emotional detachment.
The background is constructed from intersecting planes that suggest both enclosure and potential escape. These geometric forms are not merely decorative; they actively contribute to the feeling of confinement and psychological complexity. The use of thick impasto, particularly noticeable in the orange areas, adds textural depth and emphasizes the physicality of the paint itself.
Subtly embedded within the composition are patterns – spirals and concentric circles – that appear on the figure’s torso. These motifs introduce a layer of symbolic meaning, potentially referencing cyclical time, inner turmoil, or even a sense of entrapment. The overall effect is one of psychological intensity; the painting conveys a feeling of unease and introspection, hinting at themes of isolation, vulnerability, and perhaps resistance against unseen forces. The small scale of the work further amplifies this sense of intimacy and confinement, drawing the viewer into the figure’s private world.