1964 Femme nue assise appuyВe sur des coussins Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a seated female figure against a vibrant, textured background. The artist has rendered her in a highly stylized manner, employing fragmented forms and distorted perspectives characteristic of Cubist aesthetics. Her posture is relaxed; she leans back on what appear to be cushions or pillows, suggesting a sense of repose or languor.
The face is presented in profile, with an elongated nose and large, almond-shaped eyes that possess a striking green hue. The mouth is reduced to a minimal line, contributing to the overall impression of detachment or introspection. Her hair, rendered in dark, angular strokes, frames her face and adds to the sense of geometric simplification.
The body is similarly deconstructed, with planes of color overlapping and intersecting to suggest volume and form. Pink, green, blue, and red tones dominate the palette, creating a visually stimulating contrast against the orange backdrop. The artist has employed a loose, expressive brushstroke throughout, imparting a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the work.
The background itself is not merely a flat plane but rather a field of textured marks – white splatters and darker smudges – that contribute to the painting’s overall dynamism. This treatment prevents the figure from appearing isolated; instead, she seems integrated into a larger, pulsating environment.
Subtextually, the work explores themes of femininity and representation. The fragmented form challenges conventional notions of beauty and realism, suggesting that identity is not fixed but rather fluid and multifaceted. The woman’s posture and expression convey an air of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider her inner world. The vibrant color palette and energetic brushwork contribute to a sense of emotional intensity, hinting at the complexities of human experience. The overall effect is one of both alienation and intimacy – a portrait that simultaneously distances and engages the viewer.