1964 Portrait de Mademoiselle Rosengart Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

Here we observe a portrait executed in a monochrome palette, likely charcoal or graphite on paper. The subject is a young woman presented from the chest upwards, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes immediate engagement. Her features are rendered with an emphasis on simplification and angularity; the nose is elongated and prominent, while the eyes possess a striking intensity achieved through thick, dark outlines and carefully placed highlights. The mouth is subtly curved into what appears to be a restrained smile.
The artist has employed a textured approach to rendering the background and hair. Short, agitated strokes create a sense of movement and visual complexity that contrasts with the relatively smoother treatment of the face. This textural variation draws attention to the subjects features while simultaneously suggesting an environment or atmosphere surrounding her. The hair is styled in a neat updo, emphasizing the clean lines of the composition.
The woman adorns herself with jewelry: prominent earrings dangle from her lobes and a necklace, composed of what appear to be floral motifs, rests against her upper chest. These details suggest a certain social standing and an attention to personal presentation. The necklace’s design introduces a delicate counterpoint to the otherwise stark and angular forms dominating the portrait.
The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and understated elegance. While the simplification of form might initially suggest a detachment, the directness of her gaze and the subtle expression on her face convey an underlying psychological depth. Theres a sense of introspection suggested by the restrained demeanor; she appears both present and slightly removed from the viewer. The artist’s choice to work in monochrome contributes to this feeling of solemnity and timelessness, stripping away superficial color distractions to focus on form, texture, and emotional resonance.