1970 Buste dhomme au chapeau Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a bust portrait rendered in a highly expressive and fragmented style. Here we observe a figure, presumably male, depicted from the chest upwards, wearing a broad-brimmed hat. The artist has employed a palette of vibrant colors – yellows, greens, oranges, blues, and whites – applied with visible brushstrokes that contribute to a sense of immediacy and dynamism.
The face is constructed through angular planes and simplified features. Eyes are rendered as almond shapes, the nose is reduced to a few lines, and the mouth appears as a slight curve suggesting a subtle smile or expression of contemplation. The hat itself is composed of geometric forms, its brim extending outwards in a manner that exaggerates its size and presence. A dark, almost black, mass suggests hair or facial growth, adding texture and visual interest.
The figure’s clothing consists of layered shapes and patterns – orange with white circles, overlaid by vertical blue lines. This creates a sense of complexity and obscures the underlying form, contributing to the overall fragmented aesthetic. The background is largely plain, though punctuated by faint vertical lines that provide a subtle textural contrast.
In the upper left corner, numerals are inscribed in red: 4. 11. 70 I, likely indicating the date of creation – November 4th, 1970. This inscription anchors the work within a specific timeframe and suggests a personal or documentary element to its production.
The subtexts embedded within this portrait seem to explore themes of identity and representation. The fractured nature of the figure’s features challenges conventional notions of realism, suggesting an interest in portraying not just outward appearance but also perhaps the internal complexities of character. The bold use of color and energetic brushwork conveys a sense of emotional intensity and spontaneity. The hat, a recurring motif in the artists work, could be interpreted as a symbol of authority, eccentricity, or disguise – a visual shorthand for a particular persona or social role. Ultimately, the painting resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with its ambiguities and consider the multifaceted nature of human representation.