1954 Portrait de Sylvette David 28 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a figure seated in profile, rendered with a distinct fragmentation characteristic of Cubist aesthetics. The subject appears to be a young woman, though her features are abstracted and reassembled into geometric planes. A prominent upward sweep defines the hairstyle, which is delineated by bold, curving lines that echo the contours of her face.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by blues, grays, and whites, with touches of red highlighting certain facial elements. This restricted color scheme contributes to a sense of austerity and emphasizes the formal qualities of the composition over any overt emotional expression. The application of paint is visible; brushstrokes are evident in areas like the chair and portions of the figures face, adding texture and dynamism to the work.
The pose itself conveys a certain stillness and introspection. The woman’s gaze is directed downwards, suggesting contemplation or perhaps a sense of melancholy. Her body is rigidly positioned, further reinforcing this impression of quiet reserve.
Subtly, theres an interplay between solidity and transparency. Certain planes appear to advance towards the viewer while others recede, creating a visual ambiguity that challenges conventional notions of depth and perspective. The chair, rendered in angular forms, seems almost as significant as the figure it supports, acting as both functional object and compositional element.
The overall effect is one of controlled complexity; despite the apparent disarray of fragmented shapes, theres an underlying sense of order and balance. It’s a portrait that eschews traditional notions of beauty or likeness, instead focusing on exploring the formal possibilities of representation and conveying a mood of quiet introspection.