1939 Portrait de Dora Maar aux yeux bleus Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The portrait presents a figure rendered in a style characterized by fragmentation and distortion, typical of early modern artistic approaches. The subjects face is deconstructed into geometric planes, with sharp angles defining the nose, cheekbones, and brow. A pronounced asymmetry contributes to an unsettling effect; one eye appears larger than the other, and the features are not arranged symmetrically around a central axis.
The color palette is restricted primarily to cool tones – greens, blues, and purples – which contribute to a sense of melancholy or introspection. The skin tone itself is rendered in shades of green, departing from naturalistic representation and suggesting an emotional state rather than physical likeness. Dark brown hair frames the face, its texture indicated by broad brushstrokes that emphasize volume and directionality.
The subject’s gaze is direct and unwavering, yet it lacks warmth or engagement. The eyes, a striking blue, are large and prominent, drawing immediate attention and conveying an intensity that contrasts with the overall somber mood. A visible nose ring adds a layer of unconventionality to the depiction, potentially signifying rebellion against societal norms or a deliberate embrace of individuality.
The clothing is simplified into blocks of color – blues and purples – with minimal detail. The collar appears stiff and formal, suggesting a certain social standing or adherence to convention that might be at odds with the subject’s unconventional appearance.
The background is indistinct, composed of muted tones that recede into darkness, isolating the figure and intensifying its presence within the composition. This lack of environmental context further emphasizes the psychological portraiture at play.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of identity, perception, and emotional complexity. The distortion of features could be interpreted as a reflection of inner turmoil or a challenge to conventional notions of beauty. The cool color palette and intense gaze suggest a sense of vulnerability combined with an underlying strength. The nose ring might symbolize a rejection of societal expectations or a deliberate assertion of selfhood. Overall, the painting conveys a feeling of psychological depth and invites contemplation on the nature of representation and the complexities of human emotion.