1937 Portrait de Dora Maar au collier Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a frontal portrait of a woman, rendered in a stark and economical line. The composition is dominated by the figures face, which occupies nearly the entire frame. A sense of immediacy arises from the direct gaze established with the viewer; the eyes are large and intensely focused, conveying an impression of both vulnerability and defiance.
The artist employed a deliberate distortion of features characteristic of Cubist tendencies. The nose is elongated and angular, while the mouth appears slightly asymmetrical, contributing to a feeling of psychological complexity rather than straightforward representation. Hair falls in sharp, fragmented lines around the face, further emphasizing this fractured aesthetic.
A prominent necklace adorns the subject’s neck; its central element is a stylized floral motif, possibly a rose or similar bloom, rendered with a spiky, almost aggressive quality. The necklace itself appears heavy and constricting, potentially symbolizing burdens or constraints placed upon the woman.
The drawings monochromatic palette – achieved through varying line weights and densities – enhances its emotional intensity. The absence of color directs attention to the contours and forms, amplifying the sense of psychological probing. There is a rawness in the execution; the lines are not always clean or precise, suggesting a rapid, almost impulsive creation.
Subtly, the work hints at an underlying tension. While the directness of the gaze suggests confidence, the distorted features and the symbolic weight of the necklace imply a deeper emotional turmoil. The overall effect is one of controlled intensity – a portrait that seeks to reveal not just physical likeness but also a complex inner life.