1938 Femme assise accoudВe (Nusch Eluard) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The artwork presents a seated female figure rendered in a fragmented and geometric style. The composition is dominated by angular planes and sharp lines that dissect both the subject and her surroundings. Here we see a woman positioned on what appears to be a chair or bench, though its form is similarly deconstructed into intersecting shapes.
Her face is characterized by an elongated nose, large almond-shaped eyes, and thin lips, all contributing to a sense of stylized melancholy. The head itself is tilted slightly, suggesting introspection or perhaps a quiet sadness. One hand rests against her cheek in a gesture that reinforces this impression. Her hair is depicted as short and neatly styled, adding to the overall air of restrained elegance.
The woman’s attire consists of what seems to be a tailored suit with a belt emphasizing the waistline. The fabric itself is rendered through a series of overlapping planes, denying any sense of natural drape or texture. This treatment extends to the background, which is composed of similarly fractured geometric forms that create an ambiguous spatial environment. Its difficult to discern depth or perspective; instead, the focus remains on the interplay of shapes and lines.
The monochromatic palette – a range of browns and tans – contributes to a somber mood and emphasizes the formal qualities of the work. The limited color scheme also serves to unify the composition, preventing any element from drawing undue attention.
Subtly, there is an implication of confinement or enclosure. The fragmented nature of the forms suggests a sense of psychological fragmentation as well. The woman’s posture and expression convey a feeling of quiet resignation, hinting at underlying emotional complexity. While seemingly straightforward in its depiction, the work invites contemplation on themes of identity, isolation, and the subjective experience of reality.