1917 LItalienne2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented figure set against a stark black background. The individual is constructed from flattened planes and geometric shapes, characteristic of a Cubist approach. A dominant dark blue occupies the upper portion of the figures head, contrasting with lighter hues – ochre, cream, and pale green – that define other facial features and areas of the body. These colors are not applied realistically but rather to delineate form and create visual interest through juxtaposition.
The face itself is rendered in a simplified manner, with eyes reduced to dark, almond-shaped forms and a nose suggested by a single plane. The mouth appears as a narrow slit, contributing to an overall sense of detachment or stoicism. A collar, indicated by a red shape, encircles the neck, adding a layer of formality or perhaps symbolic significance.
Below the head, the figure’s body is similarly deconstructed into angular blocks of color – red, blue, and green – that overlap and intersect. The torso appears truncated, with an arm extending downwards in a gesture that could be interpreted as either offering or concealing something. A second, smaller face emerges from within this fragmented form, positioned lower down the composition. This secondary figure is partially obscured, its features indistinct, suggesting a subordinate role or perhaps representing a hidden aspect of the primary subject’s identity.
At the top of the composition, behind the central figure, a building – possibly a palace or public structure – is suggested by a simplified architectural form with a dome-like roof. This element introduces an element of context and scale, hinting at a relationship between the individual and a larger societal or political framework.
The lower portion of the work features a decorative band composed of stylized floral motifs in dark tones against a lighter background. This ornamental detail provides a visual anchor to the bottom edge of the painting and adds a layer of complexity to the overall design, potentially alluding to tradition or cultural heritage.
Subtly, there is an impression of confinement within the rigid geometric structure. The flattened planes and limited color palette contribute to a sense of emotional restraint. The presence of the building in the background suggests power structures or societal expectations that may be influencing the individual’s posture and expression. The obscured secondary face could represent suppressed emotions or hidden identities, adding depth to the psychological portrait presented within this work.