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

The pastel drawing presents a solitary figure absorbed in reading within what appears to be a modestly furnished interior. A woman, positioned centrally and viewed from the front, is seated on a chair, her posture suggesting deep concentration as she holds a book open before her. Her dark hair is styled in an elaborate updo, framing a face largely obscured by shadow and profile. She wears a voluminous dress of a vibrant yellow hue, its folds rendered with loose, expressive strokes that contribute to the overall sense of fluidity and movement.
The background consists of muted green walls punctuated by two framed mirrors, their gilded edges adding a touch of formality to the scene. A reddish-orange panel sits above the woman’s head, creating a visual separation between her and the upper portion of the room. The floor is dark, almost black, which intensifies the contrast with the bright yellow dress and draws attention to the figures presence. At the base of the chair, a small, dark dog rests, seemingly undisturbed by its companion’s activity.
The composition evokes a sense of quiet introspection and solitude. The woman’s posture and obscured face suggest an inward focus, emphasizing the act of reading as a private and personal experience. The limited color palette – dominated by yellow, green, orange, and black – creates a subdued atmosphere that reinforces this feeling of isolation.
Subtly, the drawing hints at themes of leisure and intellectual pursuit within a domestic setting. The presence of the mirrors could be interpreted as symbolic representations of self-reflection or an awareness of one’s place in society. The dogs stillness adds to the overall tranquility, suggesting a comfortable and familiar environment. While seemingly straightforward, the work invites contemplation on the nature of solitude, the power of reading, and the quiet moments that define individual experience.