1939 Femme assise la main gauche sur la joue Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The work presents a seated female figure rendered in a muted palette dominated by shades of brown, grey, and cream. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the subjects posture and isolation within the frame. Here we see a woman positioned squarely within the pictorial space, her body angled slightly towards the viewer but her gaze directed elsewhere, suggesting introspection or melancholy.
The artist employed a deliberate lack of detail in the face; features are simplified to essential planes, conveying an impression of weariness or resignation rather than individual personality. The hand placed upon the cheek is a significant gesture – it speaks to vulnerability and perhaps a quiet sorrow. This action draws attention to the woman’s emotional state, creating a focal point for contemplation.
The chair itself appears almost as an extension of the figure, its form echoing her posture and contributing to the overall sense of confinement. The background is indistinct, lacking any clear spatial cues; it functions primarily as a neutral ground against which the subject stands out. Brushstrokes are visible throughout, adding texture and dynamism to the surface. They suggest a rapid execution, lending an immediacy to the work.
The limited color range reinforces the somber mood. The absence of vibrant hues contributes to a feeling of austerity and restraint. There is a sense of psychological depth conveyed through this restricted palette; it hints at underlying anxieties or unspoken burdens. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the woman’s inner world and the circumstances that might have led her to such a pose of reflective solitude.