1970 TИte dhomme 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

Here we observe a portrait executed in red ink on a buff-colored paper. The subject is presented in profile, though with a pronounced distortion characteristic of expressive figuration. A dense network of swirling lines dominates the composition, defining both the facial features and the surrounding hair. These lines are not merely descriptive; they contribute to an overall sense of agitation and intensity.
The face itself is rendered with exaggerated proportions. The eyes are large and intensely focused, conveying a feeling of scrutiny or perhaps even paranoia. A prominent nose juts forward, while the mouth is drawn into a grimace that could be interpreted as either pain or sardonic amusement. The artist has emphasized the contours of the cheeks and jawline with thick, looping strokes, further amplifying the subject’s physicality.
Above the head, in cursive script, appears the name Zemedi alongside the date 11.4.70. This inscription is integrated into the composition as if it were another element of the portrait itself, blurring the lines between representation and annotation. The placement suggests a personal connection or dedication to the individual depicted.
The limited color palette – primarily red ink against the warm tone of the paper – heightens the emotional impact. Red, often associated with passion, anger, or danger, reinforces the sense of unease that permeates the work. The rough texture of the paper and the visible strokes of the pen contribute to a feeling of immediacy and spontaneity.
Subtly, one detects an exploration of identity and perception. The distorted features suggest a questioning of conventional notions of beauty or representation. The inscription introduces a layer of narrative ambiguity – who is Zemedi? What is their significance within this portrait? The work resists easy interpretation, inviting the viewer to engage with its complexities and consider the psychological state of both the subject and the artist.