1970 Femme assise et gentilhomme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a scene depicting two figures engaged in what appears to be a formal interaction. The composition is dominated by stark contrasts between light and shadow, achieved through broad washes of ink and expressive line work. A woman seated on a chair occupies the left portion of the frame; her posture suggests attentiveness or perhaps polite restraint. Her face, rendered with simplified features, is turned towards the male figure, indicating a directed gaze. The artist has emphasized the curve of her neck and the suggestion of elaborate hair ornamentation, hinting at an elevated social status.
To her right stands a man, positioned in profile. He wears what seems to be a hat or head covering that obscures much of his face, contributing to an air of formality and perhaps anonymity. His hands are raised towards his mouth, suggesting he is speaking or possibly smoking. The lines used to depict him are more agitated than those defining the woman, conveying a sense of dynamism or nervous energy.
The background is largely obscured by darkness, with only hints of architectural elements visible – what appears to be a wall and perhaps part of a window frame. This limited context focuses attention squarely on the two individuals and their interaction. The overall effect is one of restrained drama; the figures are not overtly expressive but convey an underlying tension or unspoken narrative.
The use of monochrome ink lends a timeless quality to the work, evoking historical portraiture while simultaneously maintaining a distinctly modern aesthetic through its loose rendering and emphasis on gesture over precise detail. Theres a sense of observation, as if the artist captured a fleeting moment in time, preserving an encounter that might otherwise be lost. The date inscribed at the bottom right corner – 10.11.70 – anchors the work within a specific timeframe, yet its subject matter transcends temporal boundaries.