1936 Le chapeau de paille au feuillage bleu 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a fragmented portrait, executed in a style characterized by geometric simplification and distortion. Here we observe a female figure depicted from the chest upwards, her face occupying a significant portion of the canvas. The artist has rendered features with a deliberate lack of naturalism; the nose is prominently elongated and centrally positioned, while one eye appears disproportionately large and directed outward. A second, smaller eye is visible on the left side of the face, suggesting a duality or multiplicity within the subjects identity.
The figure’s hair falls in sharp, angular planes along the left side of her head, contrasting with the more rounded contours of her face. Above this, an elaborate hat dominates the upper portion of the image. The hat is constructed from swirling patterns and stylized foliage, incorporating a vibrant blue element that draws the eye upward. This detail introduces a note of artificiality or theatricality to the scene.
The color palette is restricted but impactful. A warm brown background provides contrast for the cooler tones used in the figure’s skin (a muted pinkish-purple) and clothing. The dress, rendered in shades of blue and accented with horizontal bands of darker hues, appears somewhat stiff and formal.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of identity and perception. The fractured nature of the face suggests a breakdown or deconstruction of conventional beauty standards. The exaggerated features could be interpreted as an attempt to reveal underlying psychological states or hidden aspects of personality. The hat, with its decorative elements, might symbolize social constructs or imposed roles that obscure the individuals true self. The overall effect is one of unsettling familiarity; the figure is recognizable as female but rendered in a way that challenges our expectations and invites contemplation about the nature of representation itself.