1937 Portrait de Lee Miller Е lArlВsienne Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a figure rendered in a fragmented and abstracted style. The subject appears to be female, though conventional notions of representation are significantly disrupted. A dominant yellow hue characterizes the face, which is dissected into planes and angles, suggesting a deconstruction of traditional portraiture. Eyes are reduced to simple shapes, positioned asymmetrically, contributing to an unsettling gaze.
The figure’s body is similarly fractured; it seems to be draped in clothing that is both structured and fluid. Vertical stripes dominate the torso area, contrasting with rounded forms around the shoulders and arms. These elements create a sense of tension between rigidity and movement. The color palette is restrained but impactful: yellows, blues, reds, and browns are employed to define form and generate visual interest.
The background is an ambiguous wash of warm tones – primarily orange and pink – that lacks detail, serving to isolate the figure and intensify its presence. This lack of spatial context contributes to a feeling of disorientation. The artist’s brushwork appears deliberate, with visible strokes that add texture and emphasize the paintings materiality.
Subtly, there is an implication of psychological complexity. The disjointed features and unconventional perspective suggest a probing into identity beyond superficial appearances. The figure seems simultaneously present and absent, vulnerable and defiant. It could be interpreted as a commentary on the fragmentation of modern experience or perhaps a symbolic representation of inner turmoil. The deliberate distortion invites viewers to actively engage with the work, constructing their own meaning from its fractured elements.