1939 Femme assise 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a seated female figure rendered in a fractured and angular style. She occupies the central position within the frame, positioned on a chair that echoes her fragmented form. The background is composed of vertical brushstrokes in muted tones – primarily white and grey – creating a sense of enclosure or confinement. A strip of yellow-ochre defines the lower portion of the backdrop, providing a visual anchor for the figure.
The woman’s face is deconstructed into geometric planes; her eyes are disproportionately large and almond-shaped, conveying an expression that oscillates between melancholy and apprehension. The nose is reduced to a sharp, triangular form, while the mouth appears as a thin, almost imperceptible line. A complex head covering, predominantly red with black accents, dominates the upper portion of the composition, adding to the sense of formality or perhaps constraint.
Her hands are clasped in her lap, positioned low and close to her body – a gesture that suggests vulnerability or resignation. The clothing consists of a blue jacket over a patterned purple skirt; the lines defining these garments are sharp and angular, mirroring the overall aesthetic of fragmentation. Her feet, clad in dark shoes, appear disproportionately large compared to the rest of her anatomy.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by blues, purples, blacks, and greys, punctuated by the striking red of the head covering and the yellow-ochre background element. The brushwork appears vigorous and expressive, contributing to a sense of emotional intensity.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of displacement, anxiety, and perhaps even mourning. The fractured form suggests a psychological or emotional breakdown; the woman’s posture and facial expression convey a profound sadness. The elaborate head covering might symbolize societal expectations or imposed roles, while the stark background reinforces a feeling of isolation. The date 39 inscribed in the upper left corner hints at a specific historical context – a period marked by political turmoil and impending conflict – which likely informs the painting’s somber mood. Overall, the piece evokes a sense of unease and psychological distress, prompting reflection on themes of loss, identity, and the fragility of human existence.