1937 La femme qui pleure 3 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a female figure in profound distress. The artist has rendered her face with stark lines and exaggerated features, creating a sense of immediate emotional intensity. Here we see a profile view, but one fractured by distortion; the nose is elongated and flattened, the mouth agape in what appears to be a silent scream, and the eyes are dramatically enlarged and filled with an unsettling pattern of marks that suggest both pain and disorientation.
The figure’s hair flows around her head in thick, swirling lines, contributing to the overall feeling of agitation and chaos. One hand is raised towards the face, fingers splayed as if attempting to shield or restrain a torrent of tears. The gesture itself conveys vulnerability and helplessness. A second hand appears near the chin, seemingly supporting the head, further emphasizing the weight of her sorrow.
The monochromatic palette reinforces the somber mood. The absence of color directs attention solely to the form and line, amplifying the raw emotional expression. The drawing’s style suggests a deliberate departure from naturalistic representation, prioritizing instead an exploration of inner turmoil through fragmented forms and distorted perspective.
Subtly, theres a sense of confinement within the composition; the figure is tightly framed, which could be interpreted as symbolic of entrapment or oppression. The exaggerated features and anguished expression might allude to suffering beyond personal grief – perhaps reflecting broader societal anxieties or political turmoil. The drawing’s power lies in its ability to evoke empathy through its depiction of profound human anguish, conveyed with a striking economy of means.