1945 Femme assise au chapeau plat Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a seated figure rendered in a monochromatic palette dominated by shades of gray and black, with subtle hints of gold or bronze appearing in certain areas. The subjects form is fractured and reassembled, characteristic of a Cubist approach; planes intersect at unexpected angles, disrupting conventional notions of perspective and volume. A broad-brimmed hat obscures much of the face, leaving only a suggestion of eyes and nose – features that appear almost triangular and stylized.
The figure’s posture conveys an air of detachment or melancholy. The shoulders are slumped, and the body seems to fold inward, creating a sense of enclosure rather than openness. The artist has employed thick brushstrokes, particularly noticeable in the background, which contributes to a textural richness that contrasts with the flattened planes of the figure. These strokes also suggest movement and instability, preventing the image from settling into a static representation.
Several details invite deeper consideration. The presence of small, star-like shapes scattered around the head suggests a dreamlike or surreal quality, potentially indicating an internal state rather than external reality. The chair upon which the figure sits is similarly fragmented, its lines distorted and ambiguous, further emphasizing the overall sense of disorientation.
The limited color range reinforces the somber mood. The absence of vibrant hues contributes to a feeling of austerity and introspection. The gold or bronze tones, while subtle, introduce an element of preciousness or perhaps even mourning – a glimmering reminder of something lost or unattainable. The work seems less concerned with depicting physical likeness than with conveying psychological weight; it is a portrait not of appearance but of emotional condition.