1951 TИte de femme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The sculpture presents a stylized female figure rendered in dark bronze. The composition is strikingly vertical, dominated by a sharply pointed projection that rises from the head and extends upwards. This element immediately draws attention and contributes to a sense of tension or aspiration within the work.
Below the head sits a rounded form, acting as a neck and transitioning into a spherical body. The simplicity of this sphere contrasts with the angularity above, creating visual interest through opposition. A rectangular base provides stability and grounds the figure in space.
The face itself is highly abstracted. Deeply incised lines define the eyes and nose, conveying an expression that is difficult to decipher definitively – perhaps melancholy or introspection. The mouth is absent, further contributing to a sense of quietude or restraint. Hair appears as vertical striations flanking the face, adding texture and emphasizing the upward thrust of the composition.
The dark patina of the bronze lends a somber quality to the piece, enhancing its emotional weight. The smooth surfaces reflect light unevenly, creating subtle tonal variations that highlight the form’s contours.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of identity and representation. The abstraction suggests an attempt to move beyond superficial appearances, delving into something more essential about the female experience. The pointed projection could symbolize ambition, spiritual yearning, or even a sense of vulnerability exposed to external forces. The absence of a mouth might imply suppression or voicelessness. Overall, the sculpture evokes a feeling of quiet dignity and internal struggle, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human existence.