1915 Homme au chapeau melon assis dans un fauteuil Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a figure seated in what appears to be a chair, rendered through a fractured and fragmented approach. The subjects form is not depicted realistically; instead, it is broken down into geometric planes and angular shapes that overlap and intersect. A bowler hat sits atop the head, its cylindrical shape similarly deconstructed into facets of color.
The palette is restrained, dominated by muted greens, grays, browns, and ochres, punctuated by small areas of orange and white. These colors are not used to create a sense of naturalism but rather to emphasize the structural elements of the composition. The application of paint appears deliberate, with visible brushstrokes contributing to the overall texture and visual complexity.
The figure’s face is suggested through a series of planes; eyes are indicated by dark shapes, and the mouth is reduced to an angular line. This simplification contributes to a sense of detachment and anonymity. The chair itself is similarly abstracted, its form dissolving into the surrounding geometric structure.
A decorative element – possibly part of the chair or a nearby object – is visible at the lower left corner, featuring stylized floral motifs rendered in green and white. These patterns offer a contrast to the more rigid geometry elsewhere in the painting, introducing a subtle sense of ornamentation.
The work seems to explore themes of perception and representation. The fragmentation of form suggests a questioning of traditional notions of perspective and realism. It implies that reality is not fixed but rather a collection of subjective viewpoints. The figure’s impassive expression and the overall lack of narrative context contribute to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to actively engage with the works formal elements and consider their own interpretations. The absence of clear spatial cues further enhances this sense of ambiguity, blurring the boundaries between foreground and background.