1971 TИte dhomme 93 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a fragmented portrait set against a vibrant yellow background. The figures face is deconstructed into geometric planes and angular forms, suggesting a deliberate disruption of traditional representation. A dominant red shape, likely intended as a hat or head covering, sits atop the head, its color contrasting sharply with the surrounding hues.
The artist employed a limited palette primarily consisting of yellow, red, blue, and white, applied in thick, visible brushstrokes that contribute to a sense of dynamism and immediacy. The application of paint is expressive; it isnt smooth or blended but rather textured, emphasizing the materiality of the medium. This technique lends an emotional intensity to the work.
The face itself is divided into distinct sections, delineated by sharp lines. One side displays a profile view with a prominent nose and what appears to be a stylized beard rendered in swirling brushstrokes. The other side presents a frontal perspective, revealing a single eye that conveys a sense of melancholy or introspection. This juxtaposition of perspectives creates a disorienting effect, challenging the viewers perception of identity and representation.
The yellow background isn’t merely a backdrop; it seems to emanate light, intensifying the colors and contributing to an overall feeling of confinement or psychological pressure. The artist placed a signature in the lower left corner, which is rendered in a simple, almost hurried script, further reinforcing the impression of spontaneity.
Subtextually, the work appears to explore themes of fragmentation, identity crisis, and the subjective nature of perception. The deconstruction of the face can be interpreted as a commentary on the instability of selfhood or perhaps a reflection of societal anxieties prevalent during the period in which it was created. The limited color palette and expressive brushwork suggest an emotional intensity that transcends mere portraiture, hinting at deeper psychological states.