1956 Nu et miroir II Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a figure positioned before a mirror, rendered in a style characterized by angularity and distortion. The subject appears female, though anatomical accuracy is sacrificed for expressive form. She is seated, her posture suggesting introspection or perhaps melancholy; the head is bowed, and one arm rests across her lap while the other seems to cradle it.
The mirror itself isnt depicted as a reflective surface showing an accurate image of the figure. Instead, it acts as another fragmented plane within the composition, echoing and distorting the form of the woman. The reflection appears almost like a separate entity, its lines mirroring but also diverging from those of the original subject. This creates a sense of duality or fractured identity.
The artist employed a limited tonal range – primarily blacks, whites, and grays – which contributes to the works starkness and emotional intensity. Hatching and cross-hatching are used extensively to build up areas of shadow and define form, adding texture and visual weight. The lines themselves are often hesitant or broken, suggesting a sense of uncertainty or psychological turmoil.
The composition is tightly cropped, focusing attention on the figure and her interaction with the mirror. Theres little background detail; the space seems compressed, amplifying the feeling of confinement or isolation. This lack of context encourages viewers to concentrate solely on the emotional state conveyed by the subject’s posture and expression.
Subtextually, the work explores themes of self-perception, identity, and perhaps alienation. The distorted reflection could symbolize a disconnect between ones outward appearance and inner reality, or a struggle with self-image. The woman’s pose suggests vulnerability and introspection, hinting at an internal conflict that is not explicitly stated but powerfully implied through visual means. The mirror, rather than offering clarity, seems to amplify the sense of fragmentation and uncertainty.