1959 Portrait de Jacqueline de profil III Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a female figure in profile, rendered with a distinct reduction of form and color palette. Here we see a woman seated, her posture suggesting a quiet introspection or perhaps a studied composure. The artist has employed a limited range of hues – predominantly greens, blacks, whites, and touches of red – to create a stark visual effect.
The face is characterized by elongated features, particularly the nose, which extends dramatically into the pictorial space. Eyes are simplified, appearing as dark almond shapes that convey an air of detachment or melancholy. The mouth is rendered with minimal detail, contributing to the overall sense of restraint and emotional distance. A patterned headscarf in red provides a focal point, its geometric design contrasting with the more organic forms of the figure.
The background is largely monolithic, composed of vertical planes of varying shades of green that flatten the space and emphasize the two-dimensionality of the work. The artist has used broad brushstrokes to delineate form, creating a sense of immediacy and spontaneity while simultaneously maintaining a controlled aesthetic.
Subtly, theres an interplay between concealment and revelation. While the figure is presented in profile, offering a partial view, the simplification of features prevents any easy reading of her personality or emotional state. The limited color scheme reinforces this ambiguity; the greens evoke associations with nature but also suggest a sense of enclosure or confinement. The red accents, while visually striking, do not offer a clear symbolic interpretation – they function more as decorative elements that contribute to the overall formal arrangement.
The work seems less concerned with realistic representation and more focused on exploring the expressive potential of simplified forms and color relationships. It suggests an interest in distilling human presence into its essential components, creating a portrait that is both recognizable and enigmatic.