1901 Nu se coiffant Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

Here we observe a figure rendered in charcoal on what appears to be a lightly toned paper or board. The composition is dominated by a female form, depicted from the waist up and positioned centrally within the frame. Her posture suggests introspection or melancholy; she leans forward, her face obscured by a cascade of dark hair that falls over her shoulders and down her chest.
The artist employed a loose, gestural style, prioritizing expressive mark-making over precise detail. The charcoal strokes are visible, contributing to a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. Light seems to emanate from the figure’s upper torso and face, subtly highlighting the curve of her back and shoulder while leaving much of her form in shadow. This contrast enhances the feeling of mystery surrounding the subject.
The background is minimally defined, consisting primarily of vertical strokes that create a sense of enclosure or confinement. These lines are less dense than those used to define the figure, allowing her to visually advance. The overall effect is one of isolation and quiet contemplation.
Subtly, there’s an element of vulnerability present in the subjects posture and obscured face. It isnt a depiction of overt distress but rather a suggestion of internal struggle or private thought. The gesture of covering the face can be interpreted as a desire to shield oneself from external observation, or perhaps a moment of self-reflection. The lack of specific features allows for a degree of universality; the figure becomes less an individual portrait and more a representation of a shared human experience – a fleeting moment of solitude and inwardness.