1920 Femme assise4 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a seated female figure within what appears to be an armchair or upholstered chair. The composition is dominated by angularity and a deliberate distortion of form characteristic of early modern artistic approaches. Here we see the woman positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed upwards and towards the left of the frame. Her posture suggests introspection or perhaps melancholy; one hand rests against her cheek in a gesture often associated with contemplation.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes line and shading to create volume and texture. The chair itself is rendered through dense crosshatching, giving it a palpable weight and solidity. The figure’s clothing appears loose and flowing, indicated by broad strokes of charcoal which obscure the precise contours of her body. This simplification contributes to an overall sense of abstraction, prioritizing form over realistic representation.
A notable element is the fragmentation of facial features. The eyes are disproportionately large, conveying a heightened emotional intensity. The mouth is rendered as a thin, almost hesitant line, further reinforcing the impression of quiet sadness or pensiveness. This deliberate exaggeration moves beyond mere portraiture and hints at an exploration of psychological states.
In the upper right corner, theres a handwritten inscription – likely a date (23-11-20-) and a signature. The presence of this notation provides context as a working sketch or study rather than a finished piece.
Subtly, the drawing evokes a sense of isolation. The figure is alone within her chair, seemingly detached from any immediate surroundings. This feeling is amplified by the limited depth of field and the lack of other figures or objects in the composition. The work seems to explore themes of interiority, solitude, and perhaps even a quiet rebellion against conventional depictions of femininity.