1938 Homme au cornet de glace 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a portrait rendered in a fractured and angular style. Here we observe a male figure occupying nearly the entire frame; his face is the central focus, though its far from conventionally represented. The artist has deconstructed facial features into geometric planes, creating an unsettling effect of fragmentation and distortion.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – ochres, oranges, and yellows – which are juxtaposed with cooler blues and greens. These colors aren’t blended smoothly; instead, they exist as distinct blocks, contributing to the overall sense of disjointedness. The figures skin appears almost mask-like, a patchwork of hues that obscures any naturalistic rendering. A prominent hat, rendered in similar angular planes and yellow tones, sits atop his head, further emphasizing the stylized nature of the depiction.
The eyes are particularly striking; one is depicted with an intense blue gaze while the other seems to be receding into shadow, creating a sense of asymmetry and psychological complexity. The mouth is open slightly, revealing teeth that appear almost predatory in their sharpness. This expression, combined with the fragmented features, evokes a feeling of unease or even menace.
The background consists of vertical lines rendered in blues and greens, which seem to press in on the figure, intensifying his sense of confinement. These lines lack perspective, flattening the space and contributing to the overall claustrophobic atmosphere. The absence of any discernible setting further isolates the subject, focusing attention solely on his distorted visage.
Subtextually, this work seems to explore themes of identity and perception. The fractured representation suggests a breakdown or questioning of conventional notions of selfhood. It could be interpreted as an expression of psychological distress or alienation, reflecting a sense of fragmentation within the individual. The unsettling gaze and slightly open mouth might hint at suppressed emotions or anxieties. Given the historical context of its creation, it is plausible to consider this work as a response to the political turmoil and social upheaval of the period, with the fragmented figure symbolizing the disintegration of order and stability.