1964 TИte dhomme barbu Е la cigarette V Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The artwork presents a portrait rendered in a fragmented and expressive style. Here we observe a figure, presumably male, whose features are deconstructed and rearranged into a complex composition. The face is not presented realistically; instead, its built from angular planes and overlapping forms, creating a sense of distortion and psychological intensity.
A dominant feature is the beard, rendered in thick, dark strokes that obscure much of the lower portion of the face. This obscures any easy reading of expression or identity. Above this, the eyes are disproportionately large and intensely focused, conveying an unsettling directness. The nose is reduced to a series of sharp lines, while the mouth appears as a thin, almost hesitant line, suggesting restraint or perhaps melancholy.
The color palette is restricted but impactful. Blues and greens dominate, creating a cool, somewhat somber atmosphere. Yellow highlights punctuate the composition, particularly around one eye, drawing attention to that focal point and adding a touch of unsettling vibrancy. The use of pastel chalk contributes to the work’s textural quality; the marks are visible, emphasizing the artists hand in the creation process.
The background is similarly fragmented, composed of vertical lines that seem to both contain and constrict the figure. These lines contribute to the overall sense of confinement or psychological pressure. The composition lacks depth; everything appears flattened, intensifying the feeling of immediacy and emotional closeness.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of identity, alienation, and perhaps even anxiety. The fragmented nature of the face suggests a fractured self, while the intense gaze might indicate an internal struggle or a confrontation with the viewer. The presence of the beard could be interpreted as a symbol of masculinity, but its obscuring quality complicates this reading, suggesting a questioning or undermining of traditional notions of identity. Ultimately, the painting resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with the psychological complexities of the depicted figure and contemplate the nature of representation itself.