1899 Portrait de Lola Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a bust-length portrait of a young woman in profile. She is positioned facing left, her gaze directed towards an unseen point beyond the frame. Her hair, dark and loosely styled, is partially gathered at the back with what appears to be a ribbon or decorative element. Strands fall freely around her shoulders and neck, contributing to a sense of naturalness rather than rigid formality.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by warm earth tones – ochre, brown, and umber – applied in loose, fluid strokes. The background is rendered with washes that suggest an indistinct atmosphere, allowing the figure to emerge as the primary focus. Theres a deliberate lack of sharp definition; edges are blurred, and details are suggested rather than meticulously delineated. This approach lends the work an immediacy and spontaneity characteristic of sketch or study.
The sitter’s expression is subtle – not overtly joyful nor sorrowful, but perhaps contemplative or melancholic. The slight downward curve of her lips hints at a quiet introspection. Her youthfulness is evident in the smooth contours of her face and neck.
A signature appears near the bottom edge of the drawing, executed in a cursive script that adds to the overall impression of an intimate, quickly captured moment. The paper itself exhibits signs of age – discoloration and slight imperfections – which further enhance the sense of authenticity and immediacy.
The work conveys a feeling of quiet observation; it is less concerned with grand statements or elaborate symbolism than with capturing a fleeting likeness and a particular mood. It suggests a personal connection between artist and subject, hinting at a moment shared and briefly recorded.