1947 Portrait de FranЗoise Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a frontal portrait executed in charcoal on paper. The subject is depicted with a simplified, almost schematic rendering of facial features and hair. A central focus lies on the deconstruction of form; planes are suggested through intersecting lines rather than modeled volume.
Here we see a young woman whose face is divided into distinct geometric areas. Her eyes are large and almond-shaped, positioned slightly asymmetrically, contributing to an overall sense of quiet introspection or perhaps melancholy. The mouth is small and subtly curved, hinting at a restrained expression. The nose is reduced to a few lines, further emphasizing the abstraction.
The hair is rendered in swirling, curvilinear shapes that frame the face and extend outwards, creating a halo-like effect. These forms are not realistically depicted but rather suggested through overlapping circles and arcs, contributing to the drawing’s overall sense of dynamism. The neck appears elongated and slender, terminating in what seems to be a suggestion of jewelry – two circular elements positioned at the collarbone.
The artists use of charcoal allows for a range of tonal values, from deep blacks to lighter grays, which are employed to define planes and create a sense of depth despite the drawing’s overall flatness. The lines are confident and deliberate, suggesting a rapid but considered execution.
Subtly, there is an exploration of identity through fragmentation. The subjects face isnt presented as a unified whole, but rather as a collection of distinct elements. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the complexities of self-perception or the inherent instability of identity. The simplified forms and lack of detailed rendering suggest a focus on essence over superficial appearance. There’s an underlying tension between the subject’s apparent stillness and the swirling energy conveyed by the hair, hinting at an internal life beyond what is immediately visible.