1943 Portrait de Dora Maar Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a female figure rendered in a restricted palette of brown and ochre tones against a lightly textured background. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, seated upon what appears to be a stylized animal form – possibly feline or canine – whose features are similarly abstracted.
Here we see an emphasis on angularity and distortion characteristic of a particular artistic style. The face displays large, intensely focused eyes that dominate the composition, conveying a sense of scrutiny or perhaps distress. The mouth is small and tightly closed, contributing to an overall impression of restraint. Hair is indicated by dense, swirling lines, adding volume and texture while also obscuring some facial features.
The body is simplified into essential forms; breasts are represented with minimal detail, marked only by a few strokes. The animal upon which the figure sits is similarly reduced to basic shapes, its posture suggesting both support and confinement. A series of radiating lines emanate from behind the subject’s head, creating a halo-like effect that could be interpreted as symbolic of inner turmoil or psychological pressure.
The drawings subtexts suggest an exploration of vulnerability and emotional intensity. The figure’s gaze, combined with her restrained expression, implies a complex internal state – perhaps one of apprehension or suppressed emotion. The animalistic base upon which she sits introduces themes of primal instinct and potential subjugation. The radiating lines could be read as representing the external forces bearing down on the subject, contributing to a sense of psychological entrapment.
The limited color range reinforces the somber mood, while the loose, gestural linework conveys a feeling of immediacy and raw emotion. Overall, the drawing communicates a powerful sense of unease and introspection through its distorted forms and symbolic elements.