1964 TИte dhomme Е la cigarette Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a fragmented portrait, executed in a style characterized by simplification and distortion. The subjects face is rendered with bold, black outlines that delineate features in an unconventional manner. A prominent blue vertical line replaces the nose, while the eye is depicted as a single, dark circle punctuated by a small red floral motif. The cheek is colored pink, contrasting sharply with the green patch representing facial hair.
The artist has employed a limited palette of colors – black, blue, pink, green, and red – applied in broad strokes, contributing to the works raw and immediate feel. The background remains largely uncolored, allowing the figure to dominate the composition. A wavy line at the bottom edge suggests an ambiguous horizon or perhaps a symbolic boundary.
The posture of the subject is turned slightly towards the viewer, but the gaze is averted, creating a sense of detachment or introspection. Held between the fingers is a cigarette, adding a layer of complexity to the portrait. The inclusion of this object introduces themes of contemplation, habit, and potentially, self-destruction.
The overall effect is one of psychological intensity. The disjointed features and unconventional color choices disrupt conventional notions of beauty and realism, suggesting an exploration of inner states rather than external appearance. Theres a sense of melancholy conveyed through the averted gaze and the presence of the cigarette – a visual shorthand for anxieties or moments of quiet reflection. The drawing seems to be less about representing a specific individual and more about conveying a mood or capturing a fleeting psychological state.