1938 Homme Е la sucette Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we observe a portrait executed in ink on paper, characterized by a raw and expressive style. The subject is a man, depicted from the chest upwards, wearing what appears to be a wide-brimmed hat that casts deep shadows across his face. His features are rendered with thick, agitated lines, creating an impression of intensity and perhaps even distress. A prominent beard obscures much of his lower jaw, adding to the overall sense of ruggedness.
The man holds something in his hand, seemingly bringing it towards his mouth; a closer look suggests it could be a sweet or candy on a stick – a detail that introduces a layer of unexpected complexity. The gesture is not one of simple enjoyment but appears almost defiant, as if the act of consuming this small pleasure is performed with a certain degree of melancholy or resignation.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. Theres a deliberate lack of smooth transitions; instead, jagged and overlapping strokes define form and texture. This technique contributes to a feeling of unease and psychological depth. The eyes, though simplified in their construction, convey a sense of weariness or perhaps even suspicion.
The background is largely absent, the focus remaining entirely on the figure’s face and upper body. This isolation amplifies the emotional weight of the portrait. The signature at the bottom right corner, rendered in a similarly agitated style, reinforces the immediacy and personal nature of this work.
Subtly, the image seems to explore themes of vulnerability and resilience. The seemingly trivial detail of the sweet contrasts sharply with the man’s somber expression and the overall atmosphere of tension. It could be interpreted as a symbol of fleeting comfort in times of hardship or perhaps a commentary on the absurdity of finding solace in simple pleasures amidst larger, more troubling circumstances. The portrait doesnt offer easy answers; instead, it presents a complex psychological study of an individual grappling with unseen burdens.