1971 Femme Е loiseau Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a figure dominated by a striking palette of blues and yellows against a deep blue background. Here we see a woman, rendered in a stylized manner that emphasizes elongated features and simplified forms. Her face is characterized by large, prominent eyes with swirling pupils, contributing to an expression that oscillates between melancholy and bewilderment. The nose is notably long and slightly curved, while the mouth appears small and subtly downturned.
The artist depicted her hair as voluminous and flowing, arranged in a complex arrangement of upward strokes, suggesting both elaborate styling and perhaps a sense of unrestrained emotion. A decorative element sits atop her head – a circular form with what appear to be stylized eyes within it, adding an element of surrealism or symbolic significance.
The woman cradles a small bird in her arms. The bird’s posture is alert, its beak slightly open as if uttering a silent call. Its presence introduces themes of fragility and potential freedom, contrasting with the somewhat constrained appearance of the female figure.
Brushstrokes are broad and expressive, contributing to a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity. The application of paint appears deliberate, creating texture and depth within the composition. The color choices – particularly the juxtaposition of cool blues and warm yellows – evoke a feeling of tension or duality.
Subtly, theres an implication of isolation. The figure is presented in profile, partially obscuring her from direct engagement with the viewer. This positioning, combined with the melancholic expression, suggests introspection and perhaps a sense of detachment from the surrounding world. The bird, as a symbol of liberation or hope, might represent a yearning for something beyond the confines of this emotional state. Overall, the work conveys an atmosphere of quiet contemplation tinged with a subtle undercurrent of sadness and longing.