1946 Gobeurs doursins Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a seated figure rendered in a style characterized by angularity and distortion. The individual is positioned centrally within the frame, occupying nearly its entirety. A muted palette dominates – pale pinks, creams, and grays are punctuated by darker blues and blacks that define outlines and create areas of shadow.
Here we see an emphasis on fragmented forms; the figure’s anatomy appears disassembled and reassembled in a non-naturalistic manner. The face is particularly striking: large, almond-shaped eyes stare directly forward with an unsettling intensity. A wide, toothy grin exposes what appear to be exaggerated canines, contributing to a sense of unease or perhaps manic energy. The mouth’s shape echoes the form of the figures ears and other facial features, creating a visual unity that is simultaneously bizarre and compelling.
The figure’s posture suggests a degree of discomfort or constraint. Knees are drawn up towards the chest, and the arms are bent at unnatural angles. A hand grasps something held close to the body – its nature remains ambiguous, adding another layer of mystery to the scene. The lower portion of the composition is obscured by what appears to be a patterned surface, possibly fabric or foliage, further limiting context.
The background consists of vertical bands of blue and black stripes that create a sense of enclosure or confinement. These lines are not rendered with precision but rather appear hastily sketched, contributing to the overall feeling of instability. The artist employed a loose brushstroke throughout, which reinforces this impression of immediacy and emotional intensity.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of psychological distress or alienation. The distorted features and unsettling grin could be interpreted as expressions of inner turmoil or a mask concealing deeper anxieties. The figure’s posture suggests vulnerability and entrapment, while the ambiguous object held in its hand might symbolize a source of comfort, obsession, or perhaps even danger. The stark background reinforces the sense of isolation and confinement. Overall, the painting evokes a feeling of disquietude and invites contemplation on the complexities of human emotion and experience.