1901 Fille de profil 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. The artist has chosen a close-up perspective, focusing primarily on her face and upper torso. Her hair is dark, styled with a pronounced volume at the crown, accented by a vibrant orange-red hat or ornament that draws immediate attention. A small pearl earring adorns her earlobe, suggesting a degree of refinement or social standing.
The application of paint is characterized by short, broken brushstrokes, creating a textured surface and an impressionistic rendering of form. The palette is dominated by yellows, greens, and touches of red and pink, applied in a manner that prioritizes color relationships over precise representation. This technique lends the figure a luminous quality, as if illuminated by diffused light.
The background appears to be an abstract arrangement of foliage or landscape elements, rendered with similar energetic brushwork. It does not serve as a detailed setting but rather contributes to the overall atmosphere and reinforces the painting’s focus on color and texture. The lack of depth in the background further emphasizes the figures presence within the pictorial space.
Subtleties in the facial expression suggest a quiet introspection or perhaps a fleeting moment of melancholy. While her lips are delicately painted, there is an absence of overt emotion; instead, a sense of restrained composure prevails. This ambiguity invites contemplation on the subject’s inner state and adds to the paintings enigmatic quality. The overall effect is one of capturing a transient moment – a glimpse into the life of a young woman rendered with sensitivity and a distinctive artistic approach.