1966 Femme assise de profil Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a seated female figure in profile, rendered with a stark simplicity and a deliberate reduction of form. The composition is dominated by the elongated profile view, which emphasizes the linearity of her features. A dark mass obscures much of the face, leaving only a sliver of pale skin visible near the nose and chin, contributing to an overall sense of anonymity or veiled identity.
The figure’s posture suggests introspection or perhaps a state of quiet contemplation. Her hand holds what appears to be a small object – possibly a pipe or similar item – which she directs towards her body. This gesture is ambiguous; it could signify a moment of self-soothing, an act of creation, or even a subtle form of self-examination. The placement of the hand and arm draws attention to the contours of the upper torso and shoulder, which are delineated with a loose, almost sketch-like quality.
A string of beads is visible around her neck, adding a touch of ornamentation that contrasts with the otherwise austere depiction. The background is largely empty, save for a rectangular shape in the upper right corner, which serves to isolate the figure and heighten the sense of solitude.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette reinforces its mood of quiet reserve. The use of charcoal or pencil allows for a range of tonal values, from deep blacks that define the shadowed areas to lighter grays that suggest form and volume. The artists handling of line is notable; it is both precise in defining certain features and loose and expressive in others.
Subtly, there’s an exploration of identity – or perhaps a deliberate obscuring of it. The figure isnt presented as an individual with distinct characteristics but rather as a representation of womanhood itself, stripped down to its essential elements. The gesture with the object introduces a layer of psychological complexity, hinting at inner thoughts or emotions that remain largely unexpressed. Ultimately, the drawing invites viewers to project their own interpretations onto this enigmatic figure and contemplate the nature of self-perception and solitude.