1968 Mousquetaire Е la pipe 3 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a figure rendered in a fragmented and stylized manner against a vibrant yellow background that transitions into a dark red band at the lower edge. The central subject appears to be a personage clad in elaborate green armor, evoking historical military attire. However, the representation is far from realistic; instead, it’s constructed through geometric shapes and distorted proportions characteristic of a Cubist approach.
The face is particularly striking, composed of angular planes and asymmetrical features. One eye is prominently displayed, while the other is suggested by a series of lines and curves, creating an unsettling sense of disorientation. A prominent nose, rendered as a sharp triangle, dominates the facial structure. The figure’s headpiece is adorned with swirling patterns and what appear to be stylized feathers or foliage, adding to the overall theatricality.
The body is similarly deconstructed, with limbs and torso appearing as overlapping planes of color and line. A prominent arm extends upwards, holding a dark object that could be interpreted as a weapon or an accessory. The posture suggests a sense of rigidity and formality, yet the disjointed anatomy undermines any notion of naturalism.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by green, yellow, red, black, and blue, with occasional touches of white to highlight certain features. Brushstrokes are visible, contributing to a sense of immediacy and dynamism. The use of bold outlines further emphasizes the fragmented nature of the figure.
Subtextually, the work seems to engage with themes of identity, representation, and historical iconography. The armor suggests a connection to tradition and power, but its distorted rendering implies a questioning or subversion of those concepts. The disjointed anatomy could be interpreted as a commentary on the fragmentation of modern experience or the instability of perception. The overall effect is one of unsettling ambiguity, inviting viewers to question the nature of representation and the construction of meaning. The figure’s stillness, combined with its fragmented form, creates an atmosphere of quiet tension and psychological complexity.