1931 La femme au stylet (Mort de Marat) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a reclining figure in what appears to be a confined space. The individual lies on a surface delineated by stark color blocks – predominantly green and red – which suggest both a bed or platform and a symbolic representation of violence or upheaval. A significant portion of the figure’s body is rendered in shades of white, with strategic use of blue and grey to define form and volume.
The head is tilted back at an unnatural angle, the mouth agape in what could be interpreted as a silent scream or a final exhalation. A sharp object, resembling a pen or stylus, protrudes from the neck, indicating a violent act. The hand holding this instrument remains visible, positioned near a sheet of paper resting on the red-tinged surface. This detail introduces an element of deliberate action and perhaps even agency to the scene.
The artist’s use of perspective is deliberately distorted; spatial relationships are flattened and fragmented, contributing to a sense of unease and disorientation. The background appears as a series of intersecting planes, further emphasizing the claustrophobic nature of the setting.
Beyond the immediate depiction of death, subtexts relating to sacrifice and political martyrdom emerge. The presence of the letter suggests a message or communication left behind, potentially hinting at motivations or grievances. The color red, repeated in the pooling form beneath the figure, carries connotations of blood, passion, and revolution. The overall effect is one of profound tragedy, rendered through a fractured visual language that prioritizes emotional impact over realistic representation.