1937 TИte de femme (Dora Maar) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The painting presents a fragmented portrait of a woman rendered in a style characterized by distortion and angularity. The figure is positioned centrally against a pale blue background, which contributes to a sense of isolation and detachment. Her hair, a dense mass of dark brushstrokes, frames the face and falls sharply across her shoulders. A vibrant orange collar draws attention to the neck and upper chest, providing a stark contrast to the cool tones dominating the rest of the composition.
The artist’s treatment of the facial features is particularly striking. The eyes are displaced and multiplied; one appears conventionally positioned, while another is situated centrally above the nose, creating an unsettling effect that disrupts conventional notions of perception and identity. A dark line bisects the face vertically, further emphasizing the sense of division and fragmentation. The mouth is rendered with a slight smirk or grimace, adding to the overall ambiguity of her expression.
The color palette is limited but impactful. The yellow of the garment introduces warmth, yet it does not entirely dispel the feeling of melancholy that pervades the work. The blue background contributes to a sense of distance and emotional coolness. Brushstrokes are visible throughout, suggesting an immediacy and spontaneity in the execution while also reinforcing the fractured nature of the subject.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of psychological complexity and disrupted identity. The fragmented features and displaced eyes suggest a breakdown or questioning of conventional representation. The unsettling gaze could be interpreted as a challenge to the viewer, demanding engagement with an uncomfortable truth about perception and selfhood. The overall effect is one of emotional intensity and internal turmoil, hinting at a portrait not merely of physical appearance but also of a troubled inner state.