1968 Un peintre dans son atelier Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a scene divided into two distinct areas, unified by a shared expressive style and a dense network of lines. Across the top, inscribed in cursive script, is a dedication Pour le Docteur Stchelin, son ami followed by a date, suggesting a personal gift or commission.
On the left side, we observe a figure rendered with broad, energetic strokes. The subject appears to be a nude woman, though anatomical details are simplified and abstracted. Her body curves dramatically, creating a sense of movement and volume despite the limited tonal range. A large, roughly drawn sphere – perhaps intended as a head or an object in the scene – dominates the composition, positioned close to the viewer. The figure’s face is suggested by minimal markings, conveying more emotion through posture than precise features.
The right side depicts what seems to be an artist at work within his studio. Here we see a seated man, presumably the painter himself, engaged in the act of painting. He holds a brush poised above a palette laden with colors – indicated by small, clustered marks. The artist’s face is partially obscured by shadow and rendered with similar expressive lines as the female figure on the left, emphasizing his concentration and perhaps a degree of introspection. A curtain or backdrop behind him adds depth to the space, though it too is constructed from rapid, overlapping strokes.
The overall effect is one of immediacy and spontaneity. The use of a single color – a deep blue – contributes to a unified mood, while the energetic linework conveys a sense of nervous energy and creative intensity. The composition suggests a dialogue between the model and the artist, or perhaps a reflection on the act of creation itself. The dedication at the top introduces an element of intimacy and personal connection, hinting that this is not merely a depiction of artistic labor but also a gesture of friendship and appreciation. The drawing’s fragmented forms and simplified details suggest a focus on capturing essence rather than precise representation.