1936 Dora Maar en forme doiseau Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we see a drawing executed in charcoal and watercolor, depicting a figure seemingly caught between human form and avian suggestion. The composition is dominated by swirling lines that evoke movement and instability, creating a sense of turbulence around the central subject.
The figure itself is rendered with an elongated quality, particularly noticeable in the neck and limbs. Facial features are simplified to near abstraction; the eyes possess a wide-eyed, almost startled expression, contributing to the overall feeling of vulnerability or distress. The artist has chosen to depict the torso bare, emphasizing a sense of exposure and fragility.
The use of charcoal lends a raw, immediate quality to the work, while the washes of watercolor soften some edges and introduce a cool, ethereal tone. These contrasting techniques contribute to the ambiguity of the image – is it a portrait, a symbolic representation, or something else entirely? The overlapping lines and blurred forms suggest a merging of identities, hinting at transformation or metamorphosis.
The lower portion of the drawing features more gestural marks that could be interpreted as feet or talons, further reinforcing the avian association. These elements are not clearly defined, adding to the dreamlike quality of the piece.
The signature and date in the bottom right corner provide a temporal anchor but do little to clarify the subjects meaning. Instead, they serve to highlight the personal nature of this work – an intimate sketch rather than a polished finished product. The overall impression is one of emotional intensity and psychological complexity, leaving room for multiple interpretations regarding identity, vulnerability, and the interplay between human and natural forms.