1937 LArlВsienne Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a fragmented figure against a vibrant yellow background. The subject appears to be a woman, though her features are radically distorted and reassembled according to principles that defy conventional representation. A dominant triangular form defines the head, with eyes positioned high on the forehead, creating an unsettling gaze. These eyes possess a peculiar quality – one is rendered as a large, stylized oval, while the other is more conventionally shaped but equally expressive.
The nose is reduced to a sharp, angular plane, and the mouth is depicted as a dark, cavernous opening, contributing to a sense of anguish or silent scream. Hair is suggested by jagged lines that extend upwards, resembling both feathers and shards of glass. The neck appears elongated and slender, transitioning into a body defined by swirling patterns of blue and orange concentric circles. These circular motifs seem to emanate from the torso, creating a dynamic visual rhythm that contrasts with the sharp angles elsewhere in the composition.
The color palette is bold and jarring. The pervasive yellow background creates an atmosphere of intense light or oppressive heat. Orange and black are used extensively to delineate form and shadow, while blue provides a cooler counterpoint. This combination generates a sense of emotional turbulence and visual unease.
Beyond the immediate depiction of a figure, the painting conveys a profound sense of suffering and disorientation. The fragmentation of the subject suggests a psychological breakdown or trauma. The distorted features and unsettling gaze imply an experience of intense pain or fear. The overall effect is one of alienation and despair, hinting at a world fractured by conflict and loss. It’s possible to interpret this work as a symbolic representation of human vulnerability in the face of overwhelming forces.