1969 la mariВe Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a figure rendered in a highly stylized and fragmented manner against a warm ochre background. The artist employed a limited palette dominated by blue, white, yellow, red, and black, contributing to the works starkness and expressive intensity.
Here we see a central figure whose form is constructed from geometric shapes and planes. A large, blue block dominates the torso, intersected by diagonal lines that suggest movement or instability. The face is reduced to essential features: two dark circles indicating eyes positioned above the blue block, and a triangular nose extending downwards. A small red petal-like shape emerges near the lower portion of the figure, contrasting with the cooler tones.
The head is framed by what appears to be an elaborate headdress or veil composed of thick white brushstrokes that swirl upwards, creating a sense of dynamism and perhaps suggesting a ceremonial context. Below the figure, a triangular form in yellow acts as a base, upon which three circular shapes are placed. These spheres seem detached from the central figure, adding another layer of abstraction to the scene.
The artist’s use of bold lines and flattened perspective creates a feeling of immediacy and emotional weight. The fragmented nature of the figure suggests a breakdown or deconstruction of identity, possibly hinting at themes of displacement or psychological turmoil. The limited color range reinforces this sense of austerity and introspection.
The presence of the three spheres at the base could be interpreted in various ways – as symbolic representations of potential, vulnerability, or perhaps even echoes of natural forms distorted through an abstract lens. The inscription 19.3.69. I in the upper corner provides a temporal anchor while also introducing a personal element to the work. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of unease and complexity, inviting contemplation on themes of identity, fragmentation, and the human condition.