1964 TИte dhomme II Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a fragmented and abstracted human figure rendered in a limited palette of green, red, black, and grey against a pale blue background. The artist has eschewed naturalistic representation, opting instead for a highly stylized depiction that prioritizes form over fidelity.
Here we see a profile view, though the features are radically distorted. A prominent, elongated nose dominates the central space, rendered in a vibrant red hue that draws immediate attention. This is juxtaposed with a sinuous green contour defining what appears to be a cheek and jawline. The eyes are reduced to simple black dots, conveying an unsettling lack of expression or depth. Above them, thin lines suggest eyebrows, adding a sense of tension or perhaps anxiety to the figure’s demeanor.
The mouth is depicted as a dark, curved shape that could be interpreted as either a grimace or a suppressed smile – its ambiguity contributes to the overall feeling of unease. A thick green line forms what might be a chin and neck, extending downwards into an undefined area at the bottom of the frame. The background is not uniform; it’s composed of varying shades of blue and grey, with darker brushstrokes suggesting depth or perhaps a sense of confinement.
The overall effect is one of alienation and psychological complexity. The simplification of form and the jarring color choices create a feeling of detachment from reality. Its possible to interpret this as an exploration of identity – the figure appears stripped bare, reduced to essential lines and shapes, suggesting a questioning or deconstruction of what it means to be human. The lack of context further amplifies this sense of isolation; the figure exists in a void, disconnected from any recognizable environment or narrative. The deliberate distortion evokes a feeling that something is amiss, hinting at underlying psychological turmoil or societal critique.