1968 Peintre et modКle 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The work presents a stark contrast between figure and form within a predominantly dark field. A female profile dominates the left portion of the composition; her features are rendered with angularity characteristic of a Cubist aesthetic. The elongated neck leads into a shoulder and upper torso, delineated by vertical lines that suggest fabric or drapery. Her gaze is directed outward, seemingly beyond the confines of the frame.
To the right of the figure, within a rectangular framing device, lies an assemblage of organic shapes. These forms appear to be stylized representations of foliage – branches, leaves, and blossoms – rendered with fluid, curvilinear lines that contrast sharply with the geometric precision of the female profile. A vertical element, resembling a slender tree trunk or architectural structure, rises from the lower edge of this rectangular space, connecting it visually to the figure on the left.
The monochromatic palette contributes significantly to the works mood and meaning. The absence of color emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and drama. The stark contrast between the illuminated areas and the deep black background draws attention to the forms themselves, stripping away any potential for distraction from their inherent structure.
Subtly, there is an implication of observation and representation at play. The figure’s profile suggests she might be a model, while the rectangular space containing the foliage could represent the artists field of vision or the subject being depicted. This arrangement hints at the complex relationship between creator and creation, observer and observed – a dynamic frequently explored in artistic practice. The juxtaposition of the human form with natural elements may also suggest themes of beauty, fragility, and the enduring power of nature against a backdrop of human endeavor.

The signature appears in the upper right corner, adding to the sense that this is an intimate record of a creative process.