1954 Portrait de Sylvette David 17 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a figure rendered in charcoal or pencil, exhibiting a distinct stylistic approach characterized by fragmented forms and expressive lines. Here we see a young woman depicted from the chest upwards, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that conveys both vulnerability and quiet strength. The face is simplified, with large, almond-shaped eyes dominating the features; their prominence contributes to an overall sense of introspection.
The artist employed a technique where planes are suggested rather than fully defined, creating a sense of instability and movement. This is particularly evident in the rendering of the hair, which appears as a cascade of loosely sketched curls that frame the face. The neck is elongated and slender, subtly angled to suggest a turn of the head. A high collar or neckline is indicated with rapid, repetitive strokes, adding another layer of visual texture.
The body is suggested through minimal lines, creating an impression of fragility and emphasizing the focus on the subject’s countenance. The artists hand appears to be lightly touching her shoulder, which could signify a moment of contemplation or perhaps a gentle connection between the depicted individual and the observer.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette contributes to its somber mood, while the loose, gestural quality of the lines conveys an immediacy and spontaneity. It is not a portrait aiming for photographic realism; instead, it seems to capture a fleeting impression – a psychological state or a moment of quiet reflection. The sketch suggests a study, perhaps preliminary to a larger work, where the artist explored form and expression through simplified means. Theres a sense of intimacy in this depiction, as if we are privy to a private moment.