1939 Portrait de Marie-ThВrКse Walter 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a bust portrait of a young woman, rendered in a monochrome palette that emphasizes form and texture over coloristic nuance. The subject is positioned against a dark, almost impenetrable background, which serves to isolate her figure and direct the viewers attention towards her face.
Here we see a deliberate distortion of features characteristic of classical portraiture. The eyes are large and slightly almond-shaped, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps melancholy. The nose is broad and somewhat flattened, while the mouth appears small and subtly downturned. These alterations contribute to a sense of emotional complexity rather than straightforward representation.
The artist employed a loose, expressive brushstroke throughout the composition. This technique is particularly evident in the depiction of the hair, which flows around the subject’s face in thick, swirling patterns. The texture created by these strokes adds dynamism and visual interest to the work. Theres an intentional roughness to the rendering; edges are blurred, and details are suggested rather than meticulously defined.
The lighting is uneven, with highlights illuminating certain areas of the face while leaving others in shadow. This creates a dramatic effect and further accentuates the subject’s features. The overall impression is one of intimacy and vulnerability.
Subtly, theres an ambiguity to the woman’s expression. She appears both present and distant, suggesting a psychological depth that transcends a simple likeness. The dark background could be interpreted as symbolic of uncertainty or emotional turmoil, while the subject’s gaze might convey a sense of quiet resilience. It is possible to read this work not merely as a portrait but as an exploration of inner states and the complexities of human emotion.