1944 TИte de jeune garЗon Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a portrait study in monochrome, executed with visible brushstrokes and a limited tonal range. The subject is a young boy depicted in profile, his gaze directed towards an unseen point beyond the frame. A sense of immediacy permeates the work; it appears less like a finished piece and more akin to a rapid observation captured on paper.
The artist employed broad washes of ink or diluted paint to establish the foundational forms, with darker tones defining the hair and shadowing the facial features. These areas are not rendered with meticulous detail but rather suggested through gestural marks that convey volume and form. The light source appears to originate from the upper left, illuminating the boy’s face and neck while leaving much of the background in deep shadow. This contrast enhances the three-dimensionality of the subject and draws attention to his profile.
The boys expression is difficult to definitively interpret; it seems contemplative or perhaps melancholic. The slight downturn of the mouth and the focused gaze contribute to this impression, suggesting an internal state rather than outward joy or exuberance. His hair is short and neatly styled, a detail that hints at a certain orderliness or discipline.
The background’s near-total darkness serves to isolate the figure, intensifying his presence within the composition. The inscription in the upper right corner – “13 Août 44” – provides a temporal anchor, situating the drawing within the context of August 1944. Given this date, one might infer that the work was created during a period of significant upheaval and uncertainty, potentially reflecting the anxieties or experiences of those living through wartime conditions. The boy himself could be interpreted as representing youth facing adversity, embodying resilience or vulnerability in the face of challenging circumstances.
The drawing’s overall effect is one of quiet intensity and understated emotion. It avoids overt sentimentality, instead relying on subtle tonal variations and a restrained approach to form to convey a sense of depth and psychological complexity. The work feels like a fleeting moment captured – a brief glimpse into the life of a young person during a turbulent time.