1937 La femme qui pleure 4 avec mouchoir Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we observe a portrait of a woman in profound distress. The composition is dominated by a close-up view of her face, set against a stark black background that intensifies the emotional impact. Her features are rendered with sharp angles and fractured planes, characteristic of a Cubist approach to representation. The eyes are heavily shadowed, appearing swollen and closed, while a single tear traces a distinct path down her cheek.
The artist has emphasized the act of weeping through several visual cues. A handkerchief is held delicately in her hand, pressed against her face as if attempting to absorb the flow of tears. Her mouth is open in a silent sob, the lines around it exaggerated to convey anguish. The overall effect is one of intense suffering and vulnerability.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of grayscale tones with subtle hints of blue-green in the hair. This limited range contributes to the somber mood and directs attention towards the woman’s expression.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of sorrow, the work seems to suggest themes of loss and despair. The fragmented nature of her face could be interpreted as symbolizing psychological fragmentation or trauma. The anonymity of the subject allows for a broader resonance; she becomes an archetype of suffering rather than a specific individual. The date inscribed at the bottom corner – 23 juin 37 – provides a temporal context, hinting that the work may have been created in response to events occurring during that period, potentially reflecting anxieties and upheavals of the time.

The painting’s power lies not only in its depiction of grief but also in its ability to evoke empathy and contemplation about the human condition.