1948 Claude Е la balle Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a figure rendered in a fragmented style, characteristic of analytical approaches to form. The individual is depicted from the chest upwards, seated and facing forward with a direct gaze. A pronounced asymmetry defines the facial features; one eye appears larger than the other, and the mouth is displaced, contributing to an unsettling effect. The head itself is constructed from planes of varying tones, creating a sense of depth despite the flattened perspective.
The figure’s attire consists of a blue garment patterned with a grid-like design, overlaid by what seems to be a jacket or sweater. A baseball held in the left hand introduces a specific element into the scene. The ball is rendered with a complex arrangement of lines and shapes, suggesting both its spherical form and an underlying pattern or code.
The color palette is dominated by shades of blue and purple, set against a dark background. This limited range contributes to a somber mood, while the purple framing creates a sense of enclosure. The artist employed a deliberate lack of naturalism in the depiction of light and shadow; instead, planes are delineated through tonal shifts rather than realistic modeling.
Subtleties within the work suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple portrait. The baseball, seemingly innocuous, could be interpreted as a symbol of American culture or perhaps even a reference to trauma – a projectile capable of both recreation and harm. The figure’s direct gaze, combined with the fragmented representation, evokes a sense of vulnerability and psychological complexity. The overall effect is one of controlled tension, where recognizable forms are deconstructed and reassembled to convey an emotional state rather than a straightforward narrative.