1969 TИte dhomme Е la pipe Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a fragmented portrait rendered in a style characterized by angularity and distortion. The subjects face is deconstructed into geometric planes, with a dominant palette of blues, yellows, pinks, blacks, and whites. A central yellow form, likely intended as the nose or bridge of the face, disrupts the symmetry and draws immediate attention.
The artist employed a limited range of brushstrokes – primarily bold lines and flat areas of color – to construct the image. This contributes to a sense of immediacy and rawness. The eyes are disproportionately large and positioned in an unconventional manner, creating a feeling of unease or heightened awareness. One eye is rendered as a stylized teardrop shape, suggesting vulnerability or melancholy.
The mouth is reduced to a simple, almost childlike form, contrasting with the complexity of other facial features. A prominent blue beard-like structure descends from the lower face, adding another layer of abstraction and potentially alluding to masculinity or age. The background appears to be composed of layered planes, further emphasizing the fragmented nature of the subjects identity.
A subtle detail at the bottom reveals a suggestion of an object – possibly a pipe – integrated into the composition. Its presence is understated, almost hidden within the surrounding forms, and its significance remains open to interpretation. It could represent a symbol of contemplation, indulgence, or even deception.
The overall effect is one of psychological complexity and emotional ambiguity. The artist seems less interested in depicting a realistic likeness than in exploring the fractured nature of identity and perception. Theres an underlying tension between order and chaos, control and release, that permeates the entire work. The signature, located at the lower left corner, appears hastily scrawled, reinforcing the impression of spontaneity and artistic freedom.