1955 Jacqueline en costume turc Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a figure seated against a dense, reddish-brown background. The subject is rendered in a style characterized by angularity and simplification, typical of early modern artistic approaches. A pronounced asymmetry defines the face; one eye is larger than the other, positioned higher on its side, contributing to an unsettling gaze directed towards the viewer. The nose is elongated and sharply defined, while the mouth appears small and somewhat pursed.
The figure’s attire is elaborate, evoking a sense of exoticism. A complex headpiece, predominantly blue with decorative red and white bands, dominates the upper portion of the image. This is paired with a richly patterned garment featuring vibrant blues, reds, greens, and yellows. The folds of the fabric are suggested through broad strokes and simplified shapes rather than detailed rendering.
The artist employed a limited palette, relying heavily on earth tones contrasted by the brighter hues within the costume. Brushstrokes are visible throughout, adding texture to both the background and the figure itself. The application of paint appears deliberate, with areas of thick impasto juxtaposed against thinner washes.
Beyond the surface depiction, the work seems to explore themes of identity and representation. The exoticized costume suggests a constructed persona, potentially hinting at notions of performance or disguise. The subject’s direct gaze establishes an unsettling intimacy, challenging conventional representations of female figures in portraiture. Theres a sense of melancholy conveyed through the figures expression, which is not entirely devoid of vulnerability despite its stylized presentation. The backgrounds oppressive color and texture contribute to a feeling of confinement or introspection. Overall, the painting conveys a complex interplay between surface appearance and underlying psychological states.