1915 Femme au chapeau de velours dans un fauteuil et colombe Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a figure seated in what appears to be an armchair, rendered through a fractured and fragmented visual language. The subjects form is not presented realistically; instead, it is deconstructed into geometric planes and overlapping shapes that suggest multiple perspectives simultaneously. A purple hat with a veil obscures much of the face, further contributing to the sense of anonymity and detachment.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by muted grays, browns, and blues, punctuated by small areas of orange and pink. These colors are applied in flat planes, devoid of traditional shading or modeling, which reinforces the two-dimensional quality of the work. The background consists of a series of vertical lines and rectangular shapes, creating an ambiguous space that is neither clearly interior nor exterior.
The figure’s posture suggests introspection or perhaps melancholy. One hand covers part of the face, a gesture often associated with contemplation or sorrow. In the other hand, she holds a sheet of paper covered in dense script – possibly music notation or handwritten text. This element introduces an intriguing layer of narrative ambiguity; is it a source of comfort, distraction, or burden?
The presence of what seems to be a dove perched on the armrest adds another symbolic dimension. Doves are frequently associated with peace, hope, and spiritual purity. Its placement near the figure suggests a yearning for these qualities, perhaps in contrast to the prevailing mood of introspection and quiet sadness conveyed by the subject’s posture and obscured features.
The overall effect is one of psychological complexity and emotional restraint. The artist seems less interested in depicting external reality than in exploring the inner world of the sitter – her thoughts, feelings, and anxieties. The fragmented forms and ambiguous space contribute to a sense of alienation and detachment, inviting viewers to contemplate the nature of identity, memory, and perception.