1906 La coiffure3 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

Here we observe a figure, seemingly female, rendered in a style that prioritizes form and structure over naturalistic representation. The composition is dominated by a central, frontal pose; the subject holds her arms crossed over her breasts, drawing attention to the torso and hips. Her gaze is directed outward, though it lacks a clear focus or emotional depth.
The artist employed a palette of muted earth tones – ochres, browns, and pinks – interspersed with cooler blues and whites that define the drapery. The application of paint appears deliberate, with visible brushstrokes contributing to a sense of texture and volume. There is an intentional fragmentation of form; anatomical details are simplified and reassembled in a manner that emphasizes planes and angles rather than organic curves. This approach disrupts conventional notions of beauty and realism.
The subject’s pose suggests vulnerability or introspection, yet the flattened perspective and angularity of her features create a sense of detachment. The drapery, loosely arranged around her lower body, adds an element of modesty while simultaneously highlighting the contours beneath.
Subtly, the work explores themes of representation and perception. The artist seems less interested in depicting a specific individual than in investigating the process of visual construction itself. The deliberate distortion and simplification challenge the viewer to reconsider their assumptions about beauty, form, and the human figure. There is an underlying tension between the subject’s apparent exposure and the formal constraints imposed by the artistic style – a tension that invites contemplation on the nature of seeing and being seen.