1964 Nu assis appuyВ sur des coussins (Jacqueline) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a seated female figure rendered in a fragmented and stylized manner. She appears to be reclining against cushions, suggested by the undulating forms that define her support. The color palette is dominated by greens, pinks, reds, and yellows, applied with broad, expressive brushstrokes.
Here we see a deliberate distortion of anatomical proportions; the head is disproportionately large relative to the body, and features are simplified into essential marks – almond-shaped eyes, a prominent nose, and a mouth reduced to a dark line. The figure’s limbs are elongated and angular, contributing to an overall sense of instability and dynamism.
The background is divided into contrasting planes of red and orange, creating a flattened perspective that emphasizes the two-dimensionality of the work. A series of curvilinear lines, executed in black and white, appear to float above the figure’s head, possibly representing hair or decorative elements. These lines contribute to the sense of visual complexity and fragmentation.
The artists use of color is not representational; instead, it serves to convey emotional intensity and psychological states. The green hues used for the body suggest a certain melancholy or introspection, while the pink tones introduce an element of sensuality.
Subtly, there’s a sense of confinement within the composition. While the figure appears relaxed, her posture suggests a degree of tension or vulnerability. The fragmented nature of the form and the jarring color combinations might be interpreted as reflecting a fractured psychological state or a questioning of traditional representations of femininity. The work seems to explore themes of identity, perception, and the complexities of human relationships through a lens of abstraction and emotional expression.