1970 Buste de matador 3 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The work presents a portrait bust, rendered in a style characterized by simplification and expressive color choices. The subjects face is dominated by large, stylized features: prominent eyes with dark pupils, a broad nose, and a sharply defined mouth. These elements are delineated with thick lines and blocks of color – primarily white, grey, black, and red – creating a somewhat mask-like effect. A vibrant red cap sits atop the head, its form echoed in the collar around the neck.
The background is an uneven wash of yellow, applied with visible brushstrokes that contribute to the painting’s textural quality. This backdrop doesnt offer depth but rather serves as a flat plane against which the figure stands out. The artist employed a limited palette, yet achieved considerable visual impact through the juxtaposition of warm and cool tones.
The subject appears to be in profile, though the perspective is flattened, denying any sense of three-dimensionality. A decorative element, resembling stylized foliage or ornamentation, adorns the chest area, further emphasizing the theatrical nature of the portrayal. The overall impression suggests a figure caught between reality and performance – an individual whose identity is partially obscured by costume and convention.
The painting’s subtexts might revolve around themes of identity, disguise, and the constructed nature of persona. The exaggerated features and bold colors could be interpreted as symbolic representations of inner turmoil or a deliberate attempt to project a specific image. The figures gaze, directed slightly off-center, conveys an air of introspection or perhaps a veiled challenge to the viewer. The date 16.10.70 inscribed in the upper right corner anchors the work within a particular historical moment and suggests a personal significance for the artist.