1947 La fille du concierge tenant une poupВe Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a seated figure, rendered in a style characterized by fractured planes and geometric simplification. The individual is depicted holding a doll, which mirrors aspects of their own fragmented form. A pale complexion contrasts with the darker hues of the clothing – a blue jacket patterned with a grid-like design over what appears to be a checkered skirt.
The figure’s face is particularly striking. Eyes are disproportionately large and positioned asymmetrically, conveying an unsettling gaze that seems both vacant and intensely focused. The nose is reduced to angular planes, while the mouth is rendered as a thin, dark line. A white bow adorns the head, adding a touch of formality or perhaps irony given the overall disquieting nature of the portrait.
The background is divided into broad areas of color – a pale turquoise above and a lavender below – creating a sense of spatial ambiguity. Two circular forms are visible in the upper left quadrant; their function remains unclear – they could be interpreted as suns, eyes, or simply abstract shapes contributing to the overall visual complexity.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of identity, vulnerability, and perhaps societal observation. The doll held by the figure suggests a commentary on childhood innocence or a symbolic representation of something being protected or imitated. The fractured form could be read as an exploration of psychological fragmentation or a deconstruction of conventional portraiture. The unsettling gaze invites contemplation about the subject’s inner state – a sense of detachment, perhaps, or a silent observation of the world around them. The color palette, while seemingly simple, contributes to a feeling of melancholy and isolation. Overall, the work evokes a mood of quiet introspection tinged with an underlying tension.