1945 TИte de femme (FranЗoise Gilot) 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in ink on paper. Here we observe a female subject depicted with a pronounced distortion of facial features characteristic of a specific artistic approach. The head is turned slightly towards the viewer, and the gaze appears direct yet unsettling due to the asymmetry and angularity of the eyes.
The artist employed a system of intersecting lines to construct the form, emphasizing planes and contours rather than attempting a realistic rendering. The nose is rendered as a sharp, almost geometric wedge, while the mouth is reduced to a minimal line suggesting an ambiguous expression. Hair is indicated by swirling, stylized forms that frame the face and contribute to the overall sense of dynamism.
The drawing’s limited tonal range, achieved solely through variations in line weight and density, creates a stark contrast between light and shadow, further accentuating the angularity of the features. The background remains largely undefined, directing focus entirely onto the subjects visage.
Subtly, there is an implication of psychological complexity. The fragmented nature of the face suggests a deconstruction of identity, perhaps hinting at internal conflict or a fractured sense of self. The directness of the gaze, combined with the unsettling distortion, evokes a feeling of vulnerability and introspection. The drawing’s immediacy – the apparent spontaneity of the lines – suggests a rapid attempt to capture an essence rather than a meticulous representation. It is likely a study for a larger work or a preliminary exploration of character.