1937 Marie-ThВrКse au bВret bleu * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a female portrait rendered in a highly stylized and fragmented manner. The subject is depicted in profile, though her features are not realistically portrayed; instead, they are constructed from geometric shapes and planes of color. A prominent blue dominates the left side of her face, contrasting with areas of pink and green on the right cheek and forehead respectively. Her eyes are large and almond-shaped, conveying a sense of melancholy or introspection. The nose is simplified to a sharp triangular form, while the mouth is rendered as a thin, almost imperceptible line.
Above the subject’s head sits a structured hat, also predominantly blue, with a circular element rising from its center. This detail introduces an element of formality and perhaps even a suggestion of societal role or status. A vibrant yellow collar encircles her neck, drawing attention to this area and providing another contrasting color within the overall palette. The shoulders are indicated by broad strokes of orange, marked with horizontal lines that add texture and visual interest.
The background is plain white, which serves to isolate the figure and emphasize the flatness of the composition. Brushstrokes are visible throughout, indicating a deliberate lack of blending and highlighting the artist’s process.
Subtly, theres an interplay between solidity and fragility within the work. The angularity of the face suggests strength and resilience, while the muted colors and downcast gaze hint at vulnerability or sadness. The fragmentation of form could be interpreted as a reflection of inner turmoil or a deconstruction of conventional beauty standards. The hat, with its rigid structure, might symbolize constraints or expectations placed upon women during the period in which this work was created. Overall, the painting conveys a complex emotional landscape through its unconventional representation and deliberate use of color and form.