1964 TИte dhomme au chapeau Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a fragmented portrait of a man wearing a hat. The artist has employed a disjunctive approach to representation, breaking down the face into distinct planes and reassembling them in a non-naturalistic manner. A prominent hat dominates the upper portion of the frame, its form angular and somewhat flattened.
Here we see two distinct facial profiles superimposed upon one another; one appears in profile facing left, while the other is presented frontally, creating an unsettling sense of duality or internal conflict. The eyes are rendered as stark red circles, conveying a feeling of intensity or perhaps distress. A green plane bisects the face diagonally, further disrupting any conventional understanding of perspective and form.
The color palette is restricted to earthy tones – ochre, brown, gray – punctuated by vibrant greens and reds. This limited range contributes to an overall sense of austerity and emotional restraint. The use of yellow speckling on one side of the face introduces a textural element that contrasts with the smoother planes elsewhere.
The presence of what appears to be a pipe held in the figure’s hand suggests contemplation or perhaps a melancholic disposition. The background is largely undefined, contributing to the sense of isolation and introspection conveyed by the subject.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of identity and perception. The fractured nature of the face could symbolize the complexities of human character or the subjective nature of experience. The juxtaposition of different perspectives might suggest a questioning of established norms or a challenge to traditional modes of representation. Ultimately, the painting invites viewers to actively engage with its ambiguities and construct their own interpretations.