1938 Portrait de femme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The painting presents a female figure rendered in a highly stylized and fragmented manner. The subjects face is dominated by angular planes and simplified features, characteristic of a Cubist approach. A vibrant green hue defines the majority of her complexion, punctuated by areas of pale blue that suggest shadows or an emotional depth beyond surface appearance. Her eyes are large and somewhat disproportionate, conveying a sense of melancholy or introspection. The brow is heavy and furrowed, contributing to this overall impression of quiet distress.
Above the figure’s head sits a complex headdress, composed of swirling forms in shades of yellow and orange. This element appears almost architectural, its rigid geometry contrasting with the softer contours of the face below. A purple scarf or shawl drapes around her neck, adding another layer of color and texture to the composition.
The background is an ambiguous field of warm tones – reds and oranges – that seem to press in on the subject, intensifying the feeling of confinement or psychological pressure. The brushwork throughout is bold and expressive, with visible strokes that emphasize the materiality of the paint itself. This technique contributes to a sense of immediacy and emotional rawness.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of identity and displacement. The fractured representation of the face suggests a breakdown of conventional notions of beauty or selfhood. The woman’s gaze is directed downwards, avoiding direct contact with the viewer, which reinforces an impression of isolation and vulnerability. The vibrant yet unsettling color palette further amplifies this sense of unease, hinting at underlying anxieties or emotional turmoil. The date inscribed in the lower right corner – 14.1.38 – provides a crucial contextual anchor, suggesting that the work may be responding to the political and social climate of pre-war Europe.