1954 Portrait de Sylvette David 12 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a three-quarter profile portrait of a young woman. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed towards the left of the composition. Her hair, rendered with energetic and rapid strokes, cascades around her face and shoulders, obscuring much of her neck and upper torso. A small bow or ribbon secures some of the hair at the crown of her head.
The artist employed a technique characterized by loose, gestural lines to capture the likeness. The shading is minimal, relying instead on variations in line density to suggest form and volume. This approach lends an immediacy and spontaneity to the work, suggesting it may be a study or preliminary sketch rather than a finished piece. The facial features are simplified but recognizable; the nose is prominent, the lips thin, and the eyes appear thoughtful and introspective.
The clothing appears rudimentary, indicated by a few quick lines that suggest a collar and perhaps a simple garment beneath the flowing hair. The background is entirely absent, directing all focus onto the subjects face and upper body.
Subtly, there’s an air of melancholy or quiet contemplation emanating from the figure. Her downward gaze and the subdued rendering contribute to this impression. The rapid execution, while conveying a sense of energy, also hints at a fleeting moment captured – a brief observation translated into marks on paper. One might interpret the work as an exploration of youth, introspection, and perhaps even vulnerability, conveyed through the artist’s economical use of line and shading. The drawings unfinished quality invites speculation about the subjects inner life and the circumstances surrounding her portrayal.