1912 TИte dhomme au chapeau Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented portrait, rendered in a style that dismantles traditional notions of representation. Here we see a figure, ostensibly male, depicted through a series of geometric planes and lines. The background is a warm, muted ochre, providing a subtle contrast to the darker elements within the figure itself.
The artist has broken down the subject’s form into angular shapes; the face is particularly deconstructed, with a large rectangular plane of blue dominating the central area. This plane isnt smooth but textured with what appears to be printed text, suggesting an incorporation of external information or perhaps a commentary on communication and representation itself. The eye, rendered as a small, dark dot within this blue rectangle, seems almost lost amidst the surrounding textual surface.
A curved shape, positioned adjacent to the blue plane, hints at a cheek or part of the face, but its form is ambiguous and flattened. Lines delineate what might be a hat, though it’s more accurately described as an assemblage of intersecting planes rather than a recognizable headwear item. The neck appears as a series of vertical lines, further emphasizing the figures geometric construction.
The overall effect is one of displacement and disorientation. The subject isnt presented in a unified or easily readable manner; instead, he’s fractured into disparate components. This fragmentation could be interpreted as an exploration of perception – how we construct meaning from fragmented visual data – or perhaps a commentary on the instability of identity itself.
The use of text within the blue plane introduces another layer of complexity. It suggests that the individual is not simply being portrayed, but also defined by external forces or information. The muted color palette and the deliberate lack of depth contribute to a sense of detachment and intellectual distance. This isnt an attempt at realistic depiction; it’s a conceptual exploration of form, representation, and the very nature of seeing.