1964 Femme nue assise dans un fauteuil II Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a seated female figure rendered in a style characterized by bold simplification and expressive brushwork. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, occupying most of its vertical space. She appears to be sitting in a chair, though the furniture itself is largely abstracted into dark, sweeping lines that define the contours of her form rather than presenting a recognizable object.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by cool tones – predominantly blues and greens – which contribute to an overall sense of melancholy or introspection. The figure’s skin is rendered in varying shades of green and white, while darker pigments delineate the hair, shadows, and suggested outlines of her body. A lighter band across the forehead introduces a subtle contrast.
The womans gaze is directed outward, yet it lacks directness; theres an ambiguity to her expression that resists easy interpretation. Her features are stylized – large eyes and a somewhat elongated nose – contributing to a sense of detachment or perhaps even alienation. The simplification of form extends beyond the face; the breasts are suggested rather than realistically depicted, and the body is reduced to essential planes and angles.
The background is a pale blue, applied with visible brushstrokes that create a textured surface. This backdrop does not offer spatial depth but instead serves as a neutral field against which the figure stands out. The application of paint appears deliberate and forceful, conveying a sense of urgency or emotional intensity.
Subtly, there’s an element of vulnerability present in the depiction. While the simplification of form might suggest strength or resilience, the womans posture and gaze convey a quiet introspection that hints at underlying fragility. The abstracted chair could be interpreted as symbolic of confinement or isolation, reinforcing this sense of emotional distance. Ultimately, the work seems to explore themes of identity, representation, and the complexities of human emotion through a lens of stylized form and expressive color.