1960 Jacqueline Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a figure rendered in a fragmented and angular style. A vibrant red background serves as a stark contrast to the predominantly monochrome palette of the subject. The individual is depicted from the chest upwards, seated on what appears to be a chair or bench with ornate detailing visible along its right side.
Facial features are deconstructed and rearranged; one eye dominates the composition, positioned centrally and rendered with an unsettling intensity. The nose is elongated and flattened, while the mouth is reduced to a minimal line. A pronounced vertical division bisects the face, emphasizing the disjointed nature of the representation. Hair cascades down the left side of the figure in thick, dark strands, contrasting with lighter tones on the right.
The subject’s attire consists of a high-necked garment adorned with what seems to be a decorative brooch or embellishment. The treatment of light and shadow is dramatic, creating sharp contrasts that accentuate the geometric forms. Theres an overall sense of formality and restraint in the pose, yet this is undermined by the distortion of features and the unsettling gaze.
Subtly, there’s a feeling of confinement suggested by the close cropping and the rigid lines of the chair. The intense focus on the face implies a psychological portrait, hinting at an exploration of identity or perhaps a commentary on societal expectations placed upon women. The fragmented style could be interpreted as a visual representation of fractured perception or emotional complexity. The red background might symbolize passion, danger, or even a sense of entrapment.