1901 La danseuse (Cancan) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a female figure in mid-motion, seemingly captured during a performance. The subject is positioned centrally within the composition, her body angled diagonally across the frame, suggesting dynamism and energy. She appears to be engaged in a lively dance, possibly of the cancan variety given the distinctive flared skirt.
Here we see a vibrant palette dominated by blues and whites, with touches of pink and black providing contrast. The background is rendered in broad strokes of blue, creating an atmospheric depth that doesnt offer specific details but rather emphasizes the figure’s presence. The artist employed a loose, expressive technique; lines are not precise, contributing to a sense of immediacy and movement. Pastel or chalk appears to be the medium used, lending a softness to the overall effect while maintaining visual intensity.
The dancer’s attire is characteristic of late 19th/early 20th-century stage costumes. The voluminous white skirt, adorned with delicate floral embroidery in pink, flares outwards dramatically, emphasizing the theatricality of her performance. A dark blue hat sits atop her head, partially obscuring her face but allowing a glimpse of her features – notably, a carefully applied makeup that highlights her eyes and lips. She wears black stockings and shoes, which are rendered with less detail than other elements, further directing attention to the swirling skirt and upper body.
Beyond the surface depiction of a dancer, subtexts emerge concerning themes of spectacle and femininity. The exaggerated costume and pose suggest an idealized representation of female performers – a figure both alluring and somewhat removed from everyday life. The blurred background and loose rendering contribute to a sense of fleetingness; she is captured in a moment of performance that exists only briefly. Theres a suggestion of the artist’s fascination with popular entertainment, particularly the vibrant and often controversial world of music halls and dance theaters. The work hints at the complexities surrounding female performers during this era – their roles as entertainers, objects of desire, and figures who challenged conventional social norms.