1940 TИte dun homme barbu Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we see a portrait rendered in a highly stylized and fragmented manner. The subjects face is constructed from angular planes and distorted features, defying conventional notions of realistic representation. A monochromatic palette dominates – variations of grey and brown – with occasional accents of reddish-brown that draw attention to the mouth and nose.
The composition immediately conveys a sense of unease and psychological complexity. The eyes are large and wide, conveying an expression that oscillates between surprise and anxiety. They seem to stare directly at the viewer, creating a palpable connection while simultaneously suggesting vulnerability or even paranoia.
The artist has deliberately disrupted spatial coherence. Facial features appear displaced and reassembled; the nose is flattened and almost merges with the cheek, while the mouth seems to protrude unnaturally. This deconstruction of form suggests an exploration of identity – perhaps a questioning of how we perceive ourselves and others. The fragmented nature could also be interpreted as representing inner turmoil or a fractured sense of self.
The beard, rendered in thick, dark strokes, adds to the overall impression of intensity and perhaps even aggression. It frames the face, emphasizing its angularity and contributing to the feeling that this is not merely a portrait but an exploration of character – a study of someone grappling with internal conflict or experiencing heightened emotional states.
The signature and date in the lower left corner ground the image within a specific historical context, yet the subject’s expression transcends time, evoking universal themes of anxiety, identity, and the complexities of human emotion. The overall effect is one of unsettling intimacy – a glimpse into a mind struggling to reconcile internal realities with external perceptions.