1969 TИte dhomme 4 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The work presents a portrait study executed in black and blue ink washes on paper. Here we observe a male figure depicted in profile, though with a pronounced distortion characteristic of expressive figuration. The face is rendered with stark contrasts between light and shadow, achieved through dense hatching and broad strokes of the pen.
The most striking feature is the exaggerated size and shape of the eyes; they dominate the composition, appearing almost disproportionate to the rest of the facial features. Their downward slant conveys a sense of melancholy or perhaps weariness. The nose is similarly elongated and angular, contributing to an overall impression of severity. A thick, roughly sketched beard obscures much of the lower jawline, adding to the figure’s aged appearance.
The background is treated with a lighter touch, consisting of washes of pale blue ink that create a sense of atmospheric depth. These washes are not uniform; they appear almost like stains or accidental marks, suggesting spontaneity and an improvisational approach to the composition. The artists signature appears in the upper right corner, written in a distinctive script.
The subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of introspection and psychological state. The distorted features suggest an exploration of inner turmoil or perhaps a commentary on the human condition. The somber palette reinforces this mood, while the loose application of ink conveys a sense of immediacy and emotional rawness. It is possible that the portrait represents not just a physical likeness but also an attempt to capture something deeper – a feeling, a memory, or a fleeting moment of contemplation. The deliberate departure from realistic representation indicates a focus on conveying subjective experience rather than objective observation.