1936 Portrait de Dora Maar Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a portrait executed primarily in shades of blue, with subtle variations suggesting depth and form. The subject is depicted in profile, gazing towards the left of the composition. A palpable sense of melancholy pervades the work; it isnt merely conveyed through posture but also through the application of color and line.
Here we see an individual whose features are rendered with a deliberate lack of precise detail. Lines are fluid and expressive rather than meticulously defined, contributing to an overall impression of emotional intensity. The hair is particularly dynamic, appearing windswept or agitated, further amplifying this sense of unrest. The artist employed washes of blue that blend into one another, creating areas of both shadow and highlight which suggest a three-dimensional presence without resorting to traditional shading techniques.
The background appears minimal, consisting of the textured surface of what seems to be lined paper. This understated backdrop directs attention squarely towards the subject’s face and upper torso. The limited palette reinforces the feeling of introspection and perhaps even confinement. It could be interpreted as a visual representation of sadness or a period of emotional turmoil.
The drawings style suggests an immediacy, a rapid capture of a fleeting moment or impression. There is a vulnerability in the subject’s gaze; it isnt defiant or assertive but rather contemplative and withdrawn. The overall effect is one of quiet drama, hinting at a complex inner life beyond what is immediately visible.