1901 Profil dune jeune femme (fille avec fleur rouge) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents a young woman in profile, her gaze directed towards the left of the frame. She is formally attired, evidenced by the high collar and what appears to be a fur or elaborate fabric draped around her shoulders. Her hair, dark and neatly styled, frames her face, culminating in an ornate hat adorned with a vibrant red flower.
The artist’s handling of paint is immediately striking. The background isnt rendered realistically; instead, it exists as a field of energetic brushstrokes in shades of yellow, green, and ochre. This creates a luminous halo around the figure, pushing her forward while simultaneously dissolving any sense of spatial depth. The application of pigment is thick and textured, suggesting an impasto technique that emphasizes the materiality of the paint itself.
The woman’s face is rendered with a delicate precision, contrasting sharply with the loose, expressive background. Her features are idealized – smooth skin, full lips, and a refined nose – indicative of a portrait intended to convey elegance and status. The red flower in her hat acts as a focal point, drawing the eye and introducing a note of warmth against the cooler tones of her complexion and attire.
Subtleties within the work hint at deeper meanings. The profile view, rather than a full frontal depiction, suggests a certain reserve or distance. It prevents direct engagement with the subject, fostering an air of mystery. The vibrant background, while visually stimulating, could be interpreted as representing the bustling energy of urban life – a backdrop against which this woman exists, perhaps slightly detached from it.
The overall effect is one of fleeting beauty and quiet contemplation. Here we see not merely a likeness but a carefully constructed image that explores themes of femininity, social standing, and the interplay between individual identity and the surrounding environment. The artist’s choice to prioritize color and texture over precise representation suggests an interest in capturing the essence or feeling associated with this subject rather than providing a purely photographic depiction.