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

The composition presents a young female figure, seemingly a performer, positioned centrally against a vibrant, textured backdrop. She is clad in a costume dominated by shades of orange and red, with a frilled skirt that appears to be white or cream-colored. The dress itself has a somewhat revealing quality, exposing her shoulders and upper chest. Her hair is styled elaborately, pulled back and adorned with what appear to be flowers or decorative elements. Makeup is applied heavily, emphasizing the eyes and cheeks in a manner characteristic of theatrical presentation.
The artist employed a pointillist technique, utilizing small, distinct dots of color to create an overall impression of luminosity and movement. The background is not rendered realistically; instead, it’s a swirling mass of yellows, greens, blues, and browns that seem to emanate light from within. This creates a sense of atmosphere and obscures any clear spatial context.
The figures posture suggests a moment of pause or reflection amidst performance. Her hands are clasped in front of her, and her gaze is directed towards the viewer with an expression that is difficult to decipher – it could be interpreted as either innocent curiosity or a practiced display of charm. The bare feet contribute to the sense of vulnerability and immediacy.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of childhood innocence juxtaposed with the artificiality of performance. The young age of the figure, combined with the elaborate costume and makeup, raises questions about exploitation and the loss of naturalness. The vibrant background could be interpreted as representing the overwhelming sensory experience of a stage or theatrical environment, while also hinting at an underlying emotional turbulence. Theres a sense of melancholy present, perhaps stemming from the contrast between the figure’s youthful appearance and the mature demands placed upon her within the context of entertainment. The overall effect is one of unsettling beauty – a captivating image that simultaneously draws the viewer in and provokes reflection on complex social issues.