1938 La coiffure Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we see a portrait rendered in a style characterized by distortion and expressive brushwork. The subject is depicted from the chest up, with a pronounced focus on the face. A hand holding what appears to be a comb or similar grooming tool hovers above the head, actively manipulating the dark hair that frames the face.
The most striking element of this work is the exaggerated depiction of the eyes. Instead of two, the subject possesses three distinct ocular features, creating an unsettling and almost surreal effect. The eyes are large, disproportionate to the rest of the facial features, and possess a wide-eyed, slightly panicked expression. This immediately draws attention to the theme of observation or being watched.
The face itself is elongated and angular, with sharp lines defining the nose and chin. The mouth is rendered as a thin, red line, contributing to an overall impression of anxiety or discomfort. The skin tone is pale, contrasting sharply with the dark hair and the deep brown background that dominates the composition. This contrast further isolates the figure, emphasizing their vulnerability.
The artist’s use of color is limited but impactful. The white garment worn by the subject provides a visual anchor against the darkness, while the red lips offer a small point of vibrancy amidst the muted palette. The brushstrokes are visible and energetic, adding to the sense of unease and emotional intensity.
The composition suggests an invasion of personal space or a loss of control. The hand’s intrusion into the subjects hair implies manipulation or scrutiny. The multiple eyes could be interpreted as representing paranoia, heightened awareness, or even a fragmented identity. Overall, this painting conveys a sense of psychological distress and vulnerability through its distorted forms, unsettling gaze, and deliberate compositional choices.