1967 TИte de mousquetaire 3 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a close-up portrait executed in ink on paper. The subject appears to be a man, likely depicted as a historical figure given the elaborate facial hair and what seems to be a stylized collar or ruff around his neck. The artist employed a technique that emphasizes expressive lines over precise detail, resulting in a somewhat distorted and exaggerated representation of the face.
The most striking feature is the treatment of the eyes; they are large, intensely rendered, and possess an unsettling quality. Their size and the heavy shading beneath them contribute to a sense of melancholy or perhaps even paranoia. The eyebrows are similarly emphasized with thick, angular strokes that further amplify this emotional intensity.
The facial hair – a combination of a mustache and beard – is drawn with frantic, almost chaotic lines, suggesting wildness or untamed nature. This contrasts with the more controlled, though still expressive, rendering of the ruff, which provides a visual anchor to the composition. The background is largely undefined, save for some smudges and washes that create a sense of depth and atmosphere without providing specific contextual information.
The overall effect is one of psychological complexity. While the subject’s attire hints at a historical setting, the drawing transcends mere portraiture. It seems less concerned with accurate representation than with conveying an internal state – a feeling of anxiety, introspection, or perhaps even suppressed power. The distortion and exaggeration employed by the artist suggest a deliberate attempt to reveal something beyond the surface appearance of the individual, hinting at underlying tensions or hidden vulnerabilities. The signature in the upper left corner is rendered quickly and somewhat casually, further contributing to the impression of spontaneity and immediacy within the work.