1971 TИte dhomme 92 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a close-up portrait of a man, rendered in a style characterized by fragmented lines and a deliberate distortion of facial features. The artist employed a monochromatic palette, primarily utilizing shades of gray and brown, which contributes to the works somber and introspective atmosphere.
Here we see a face constructed from an intricate network of intersecting lines; these are not used to define form in a conventional manner but rather to suggest a sense of internal turmoil or psychological complexity. The eyes, though disproportionately large, possess a piercing gaze that conveys both vulnerability and intensity. The mouth is rendered as a thin, downward curve, hinting at melancholy or resignation.
The surrounding area of the head is filled with swirling, chaotic lines, which seem to emanate from the figure’s face, creating an impression of overwhelming thoughts or emotions. These lines are not merely decorative; they appear to actively disrupt any sense of stability or composure. The artist placed a small, almost symbolic cluster of short, spiky lines on the chin, adding another layer of visual texture and perhaps suggesting anxiety or agitation.
The drawing’s composition is tightly cropped, focusing solely on the head and shoulders, which intensifies the feeling of claustrophobia and psychological pressure. The date 10.12.71 inscribed in the upper right corner provides a temporal anchor, situating the work within a specific historical context – a period marked by social unrest and political upheaval.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore themes of isolation, introspection, and the fragility of human identity. The fragmented lines could be interpreted as representing the disintegration of self or the breakdown of traditional structures. It is not merely a depiction of a man’s face; it is an exploration of the inner landscape of a troubled psyche.