1939 Femme debout la main droite derriКre la tИte Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a solitary female figure rendered in a fractured and angular style. She stands centrally within the frame, her posture suggesting a moment of introspection or perhaps restrained distress. The artist has deconstructed the human form into geometric planes, creating an effect of fragmentation that disrupts conventional notions of representation.
Here we see the woman’s right hand raised behind her head, fingers partially obscuring her face. This gesture is ambiguous; it could be interpreted as a sign of anxiety, weariness, or even a desperate attempt to shield herself from something unseen. The figures gaze is averted, further contributing to an atmosphere of melancholy and isolation.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochre, brown, and muted reds – which contribute to the painting’s somber mood. These colors are applied in broad strokes, creating a textured surface that adds depth and complexity to the image. The background appears as a flat plane, devoid of any spatial cues or contextual details, which serves to isolate the figure and intensify her sense of alienation.
The artists use of sharp lines and contrasting planes creates a dynamic tension within the composition. While the fragmentation disrupts visual coherence, it also imbues the figure with an unsettling energy. The overall effect is one of psychological complexity, hinting at underlying emotional turmoil or a profound sense of displacement. It’s possible to read this work as a reflection on the anxieties of a specific historical moment – a period marked by political upheaval and social unrest – where individual identity felt threatened.