1967 Mousquetaire- buste 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a portrait bust, rendered in a style characterized by expressive brushwork and a deliberate distortion of form. The subject is a man adorned in what appears to be period military attire – a broad-brimmed hat with elaborate blue and red trim sits atop his head, framing a face dominated by large, intensely blue eyes. A prominent mustache and goatee, executed in dark green strokes, add to the figure’s theatrical appearance.
The artist employed a palette of predominantly cool tones – blues, greens, and whites – interspersed with flashes of red that punctuate the composition. The application of paint is vigorous; visible brushstrokes contribute to a sense of dynamism and immediacy. Theres an intentional roughness in the rendering of features, particularly around the eyes and mouth, which lends the subject an unsettling quality.
The figure’s expression is ambiguous. While there is a suggestion of a smile, it appears strained or even mocking. The exaggerated proportions and stylized details contribute to a sense of caricature rather than realistic representation. The inclusion of what seems to be a signature in the upper left corner further emphasizes the artists personal involvement and perhaps a playful self-awareness.
Subtextually, the work might explore themes of identity and performance. The military costume suggests notions of power, duty, and societal role, while the distorted features and unsettling expression undermine any straightforward interpretation of these concepts. It is possible to read this as a commentary on historical representations or a critique of idealized masculine figures. The deliberate lack of naturalism invites viewers to question the nature of representation itself – what it means to depict someone, and how much truth can be conveyed through artistic license.