1937 TИte de femme (Marie-ThВrКse Walter) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The artwork presents a fragmented portrait of a woman, rendered in a style characterized by geometric abstraction and a deliberate disruption of traditional perspective. The subjects face is divided into distinct planes, delineated by sharp lines that create a sense of angularity and complexity. These planes are colored with muted tones – ochre, gray, and pale blue – which contribute to an overall feeling of melancholy or introspection.
Here we see the eyes presented in profile on one side of the face while the other eye is shown frontally, creating a disorienting effect that challenges conventional notions of representation. The nose is similarly fractured, appearing as two separate forms. The mouth, depicted with full lips and a slight curve, offers a subtle contrast to the overall angularity, suggesting perhaps an underlying tenderness or vulnerability.
The hair is suggested by sharp triangular shapes rising from the head, echoing the geometric structure of the face itself. These forms are not rendered realistically but rather as simplified volumes that contribute to the painting’s abstract quality. The background appears textured, with a grainy surface that adds depth and visual interest.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of identity and perception. By deconstructing the human form into its constituent parts, the artist invites viewers to question how we construct our understanding of individuals and the world around us. The fractured nature of the portrait could be interpreted as a reflection of inner turmoil or psychological complexity. The muted color palette reinforces this sense of introspection, suggesting a mood that is both contemplative and somewhat somber. Ultimately, the painting resists easy interpretation, instead prompting viewers to engage with its formal elements and consider the underlying emotional landscape it evokes.