1963 Femme au miroir Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a figure engaged with a mirror, though the reflection is fragmented and ambiguous. The subjects face is rendered in profile and frontal views simultaneously, characteristic of a cubist approach that dismantles traditional perspective. A single, large eye dominates the left side of the face, conveying an intense gaze directed outward, beyond the mirrored surface.
The figure’s hair is depicted as a series of angular planes, striped with white and grey, creating a sense of volume and movement. The neck appears elongated and stylized, merging into a garment patterned with undulating green lines against a blue background. This pattern introduces an element of decorative complexity that contrasts with the more austere rendering of the face.
The mirror itself is not presented as a clear portal to another image; instead, it’s represented by fractured planes of gold and black, suggesting a distorted or incomplete perception of self. A small, dark shape – possibly a brushstroke or an abstracted object – is positioned near the top corner of the mirrored surface, adding to the sense of visual disruption.
The background is dominated by warm, earthy tones – browns and reds – which create a claustrophobic atmosphere, intensifying the figure’s isolation within the composition. The limited color palette contributes to a somber mood, while the sharp angles and fragmented forms evoke a feeling of psychological tension.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of identity, perception, and the elusive nature of self-representation. The fractured reflection suggests an instability or fragmentation of the subject’s sense of self, perhaps hinting at anxieties surrounding appearance and authenticity. The gaze directed beyond the mirror implies a desire for connection or understanding that remains just out of reach. The overall effect is one of introspection and melancholy, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human perception and the construction of identity.