1922 La coiffure1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a scene of intimate domesticity, framed by heavy green draperies that partially obscure a view of a bright blue seascape visible through an arched opening. Three female figures dominate the visual space; their bodies are rendered with a deliberate simplicity in terms of form and coloration. The artist has chosen to depict them engaged in what appears to be a ritualistic grooming process.
On the left, a figure stands, actively manipulating the hair of another. Her posture is somewhat stiff, her gaze directed downwards towards her task. She holds a dark object – likely scissors or shears – and seems focused on precision. The second woman, positioned centrally, sits upon a low plinth and examines herself in a small hand mirror. Her expression is difficult to discern definitively; it might suggest either self-absorption or mild discomfort. A third figure stands behind her, seemingly assisting with the styling process, her hands poised near the central figure’s head.
The color palette is restrained, relying heavily on muted earth tones and pale flesh colors, punctuated by the vibrant blue of the seascape backdrop and the green of the draperies. The application of paint appears somewhat loose and gestural, contributing to a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. Theres an intentional flatness to the rendering; perspective is minimized, and figures are presented in a manner that prioritizes their arrangement within the composition over realistic spatial depth.
Subtlety permeates the work. The scene evokes classical depictions of bathing women or nymphs, yet it lacks the idealized beauty typically associated with such representations. Instead, theres an air of quiet observation, a sense of capturing a fleeting moment in private life. The figures’ lack of overt emotion and their somewhat awkward postures suggest a deliberate avoidance of sentimentality. One might interpret this as a commentary on societal expectations surrounding femininity or a rejection of conventional notions of beauty. The seascape visible through the window introduces an element of longing or escape, contrasting with the enclosed domestic space where the scene unfolds. Ultimately, the painting invites contemplation about the complexities of female relationships and the rituals that define personal identity.