1964 Femme au chat assise dans un fauteuil 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a seated female figure within a confined space, likely a chair. The artist has rendered her in a fragmented style, characteristic of analytical approaches to form. Facial features are simplified and rearranged; the eyes are large and centrally positioned, conveying an unsettling directness, while the nose is reduced to a linear element. The mouth appears small and somewhat downturned, suggesting a melancholic or introspective mood.
The figure’s body is deconstructed into planes of color – blues, grays, whites, and touches of orange – that overlap and intersect, creating a sense of spatial ambiguity. Theres an attempt to depict the contours of breasts, but these are also abstracted and integrated within the overall geometric structure. The arms appear disproportionately large in relation to the torso, further contributing to the distorted perspective.
A dark feline form is visible on her lap, rendered with minimal detail, yet its presence adds a layer of symbolic complexity. Cats often represent independence, mystery, or domesticity; here, it might signify companionship within an otherwise isolating environment. The chair itself, defined by stark black lines and angular forms, acts as both a physical restraint and a compositional frame.
The color palette is predominantly cool, dominated by blues and grays, which reinforce the somber atmosphere. A limited range of warm tones – the orange on the chest and hints of green in the lower portion – provides subtle contrast but does not disrupt the overall feeling of quiet introspection. The brushwork appears deliberate, with visible strokes that contribute to the painting’s textural quality.
The work seems to explore themes of isolation, interiority, and the fragmented nature of identity. It is less concerned with realistic representation than with conveying a psychological state – a sense of being trapped or observed. The figures gaze, unwavering and somewhat detached, invites contemplation on her inner world and the circumstances that define it.