1965 Femme nue assise dans un fauteuil 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a seated female figure rendered in a fractured and angular style. She occupies the central space within a rectangular format, set against a backdrop dominated by warm hues – primarily reds and yellows – that create a sense of contained intensity. The background is not uniformly colored; instead, it displays visible brushstrokes suggesting movement and an underlying emotional turbulence.
The figure’s posture conveys a stillness that contrasts with the dynamism of the surrounding colors. She sits in what appears to be a chair, though its form is abstracted and integrated into the overall geometric construction of the image. The artist has deconstructed her anatomy, presenting it as a series of planes and facets rather than a continuous surface. This fragmentation extends to her facial features; the eyes are disproportionately large and set within a simplified, almost mask-like visage.
The color palette is restricted but impactful. Greens and blues define the figure’s skin tones, while ochres and yellows highlight the chair and lower portions of the background. The limited range contributes to a sense of austerity and emphasizes the formal elements over naturalistic representation. A small, orange sphere held in her left hand introduces a focal point that draws attention to the gesture itself – a deliberate placement rather than an incidental detail.
Subtleties within the work suggest a complex interplay between vulnerability and strength. The figure’s gaze is directed outward, yet her posture appears withdrawn, hinting at a psychological interiority. The fractured form could be interpreted as a representation of inner turmoil or a challenge to conventional notions of female beauty and representation. The deliberate distortion and simplification of form move beyond mere portraiture; they suggest an exploration of the human condition through abstraction. The overall effect is one of controlled tension – a balance between formal rigor and emotional depth.