1956 Claude en torero Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a portrait of a young boy, rendered in a style characterized by loose brushwork and a muted palette. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, his gaze directed forward with a certain intensity. He wears a dark beret that casts shadows across his forehead and emphasizes the planes of his face.
The artist employed a limited range of colors – predominantly yellows, browns, blacks, and blues – to create a sense of subdued drama. The boy’s skin tone is pale, contrasting with the darker hues of his attire and headwear. A patterned jacket, featuring what appear to be stylized spots or shapes, covers his torso, adding visual complexity to the composition.
The drawings technique suggests a rapid execution; lines are not precisely defined, and colors blend in places, contributing to an overall impression of immediacy and spontaneity. The background is indistinct, composed of washes of blue and gray that seem to dissolve into the surrounding space. This lack of detail focuses attention squarely on the boy’s face.
The inclusion of a date – 28.9.56 – in the upper right corner provides contextual information, anchoring the work within a specific timeframe. The numerical notation is integrated into the composition rather than appearing as an afterthought, suggesting its deliberate placement.
Subtleties in the boy’s expression hint at a complex inner life. While his gaze appears direct and unwavering, theres also a trace of melancholy or perhaps even defiance discernible around his mouth. This ambiguity invites speculation about the subject’s character and circumstances. The patterned jacket could be interpreted as a costume element, suggesting a role being played or an identity being adopted. It might allude to themes of performance, disguise, or the construction of selfhood. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of quiet introspection and understated narrative potential.