1954 Portrait de Sylvette David 01 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

Here we observe a portrait drawing executed in pencil on paper. The subject is a young woman, depicted from the chest upwards, facing directly towards the viewer. Her gaze is steady and somewhat melancholic; her eyes are rendered with a notable intensity that draws attention. A high ponytail of hair dominates the upper portion of the composition, its strands meticulously delineated with short, parallel lines which create a sense of volume and texture.
The artist employed a linear style, utilizing hatching and cross-hatching to model form and suggest tonal variations. The face is characterized by angular features – a prominent nose, sharply defined cheekbones, and a slightly pursed mouth – which contribute to an overall impression of quiet introspection. A delicate ruff encircles the neck, its intricate pattern achieved through repeated, closely spaced lines.
The background is minimal, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the subject’s face and upper body. The papers texture is visible throughout, adding a tactile quality to the work. In the upper right corner, an inscription in cursive script identifies the subject as Sylvette David and bears a signature.
Subtly, there exists a tension between the precision of the linework and the overall sense of fragility conveyed by the subject’s expression. The drawing seems less concerned with photographic realism than with capturing a psychological state – a moment of quiet contemplation or perhaps even a trace of sadness. The inscription suggests a personal connection between the artist and the sitter, hinting at a narrative beyond the immediate visual representation. The portraits simplicity and directness lend it an air of intimacy, as if we are granted a glimpse into a private moment.