1906 TИte de femme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a portrait study of a woman, executed in charcoal and blue pencil on paper. The composition is straightforward: a frontal depiction of the subjects head and shoulders, filling nearly the entire rectangular frame. A sense of austerity pervades the work; there’s little background detail to distract from the figure itself.
The artist has rendered the face with an emphasis on geometric simplification. Features are not meticulously detailed but rather suggested through angular lines and planes. The eyes, large and slightly almond-shaped, possess a certain stillness, contributing to an overall impression of quiet introspection. The nose is sharply defined, while the mouth appears small and subtly downturned, hinting at a restrained emotional state.
The hair is depicted with short, decisive strokes that suggest texture and volume, though it lacks elaborate styling or ornamentation. A distinct line traces the hairline, emphasizing the shape of the head. The neck is elongated and slender, merging into broad shoulders indicated by minimal shading. The artist’s use of blue pencil around the contours of the face and hair creates a subtle tonal contrast against the warmer tones of the charcoal, adding depth and visual interest without resorting to extensive shading techniques.
A notable characteristic is the deliberate distortion of proportions. The head appears somewhat oversized in relation to the shoulders, creating an unsettling yet compelling effect. This departure from naturalistic representation suggests an exploration beyond mere likeness, hinting at a deeper psychological or symbolic intent.
The drawing’s subdued palette and restrained technique contribute to its contemplative mood. It feels less like a finished work and more like a preliminary study – a probing investigation of form and expression. The signature in the lower right corner is executed with similar economy of line, reinforcing the overall sense of directness and immediacy. The paper itself appears aged, adding a layer of patina that enhances the drawing’s understated elegance.