1955 Les femmes dAlger (Delacroix) XIV Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a group of figures, seemingly women, arranged within a shallow pictorial space. The artist employs a fractured and fragmented approach to representation, dismantling traditional forms into geometric planes and angular shapes. There is no attempt at realistic depiction; instead, the focus lies on conveying multiple perspectives simultaneously.
A dominant figure in the foreground reclines, her body rendered as a series of overlapping triangles and curves. Her skin tones are varied – blues, yellows, pinks – suggesting an interplay of light and shadow that defies conventional modeling. To her left, another woman is positioned, her form similarly deconstructed. A patterned textile adorns her upper torso, introducing a decorative element into the otherwise stark arrangement. Behind these figures, a third individual appears, partially obscured by planes of color and angularity. Her posture suggests an act of smoking, adding a layer of narrative complexity to the scene.
The palette is restrained, primarily utilizing blues, yellows, reds, and blacks. These colors are not blended smoothly but rather juxtaposed in sharp contrast, contributing to the overall sense of fragmentation and visual tension. The use of black outlines defines shapes and creates a graphic quality that reinforces the painting’s departure from naturalism.
The arrangement of figures suggests an intimate gathering, yet their fragmented forms prevent any easy reading of emotion or narrative. The artist seems less interested in portraying individual personalities than in exploring the possibilities of representing form through abstraction. This approach invites viewers to actively engage with the work, piecing together fragments and constructing their own interpretations.
Subtly embedded within the composition are hints of architectural elements – arches and doorways – which suggest a setting, though its precise nature remains ambiguous. The overall effect is one of controlled chaos, where order emerges from fragmentation. The painting’s power resides in its ability to challenge conventional notions of representation while simultaneously evoking a sense of mystery and intrigue.