1958 TИte de femme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a fragmented female portrait executed in charcoal and ink on a beige-toned background. The composition is dominated by a stark contrast between dark lines and areas of lighter tone, creating a sense of dramatic tension. Here we see the face divided into distinct planes, with features seemingly superimposed upon one another.
The left side of the face displays a profile view, characterized by an elongated eye and a sharply defined nose that extends vertically towards the center of the composition. The right side presents a frontal perspective, revealing a more angular structure for the nose and cheekbone. This juxtaposition of perspectives immediately disrupts conventional notions of representation, suggesting a deliberate exploration of multiple viewpoints simultaneously.
The artist has employed thick, assertive lines to delineate the contours of the face and hair. These lines are not smooth or flowing; instead, they possess an almost jagged quality, contributing to the overall sense of fragmentation and instability. The hair is rendered as a series of vertical strokes, emphasizing its texture and volume while also reinforcing the feeling of disarray.
The neck appears elongated and somewhat distorted, merging with a rounded form that could be interpreted as either shoulders or stylized jewelry. A circular element, possibly representing an earring or necklace, hangs from this form, adding another layer of ambiguity to the image.
Subtly, there is a sense of melancholy conveyed through the downturned mouth on the frontal plane and the slightly heavy-lidded eyes. The fragmented nature of the portrait might suggest a psychological state – a fractured identity or an exploration of inner turmoil. It’s possible that the artist intended to convey not just a likeness but also a feeling, a mood associated with the subject.
The limited color palette reinforces the drawings somber tone and directs attention towards the formal elements – line, shape, and composition – rather than any specific narrative content. The signature in the upper left corner provides a personal mark, anchoring the work within an individual artistic practice while simultaneously contributing to its overall aesthetic.