1939 Buste de femme en costume violet Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a portrait bust set against a muted blue-grey background. The figure is rendered in a fractured style, characteristic of Cubism, where planes and angles dominate the representation rather than naturalistic form. A palette of greens, purples, pinks, and yellows defines the subject’s features and attire.
The face itself is constructed from sharp geometric shapes; the eyes are large and almond-shaped, positioned asymmetrically within the angular structure of the brow and nose. The mouth is reduced to a triangular form, suggesting an absence of expression or perhaps a deliberate masking of emotion. A vertical band of green delineates one side of the face, contrasting with the pinkish hues on the other, creating a sense of duality or internal conflict.
The subject wears what appears to be a stylized costume, indicated by the layered and patterned treatment of the upper torso. The fabric is depicted through a series of parallel lines and angular folds, suggesting texture and volume despite the flattened perspective. A swirling pattern adorns the right shoulder, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise rigid composition.
The artist’s brushwork appears deliberate and economical; broad strokes define the background while more detailed hatching and cross-hatching are used to articulate the figures form. The date 21.5.39 is inscribed in the upper left corner, providing a specific temporal context for the work.
Subtextually, the painting conveys a sense of psychological complexity. The fragmented representation suggests a deconstruction of identity or an exploration of inner turmoil. The muted color scheme and lack of overt emotional expression contribute to a feeling of restraint and perhaps even melancholy. The stylized costume could be interpreted as symbolic, representing social roles or imposed identities that obscure the individuals true self. Overall, the work evokes a sense of alienation and introspection, characteristic of artistic responses to periods of political and social upheaval.