1939 Portrait de Dora Maar au chapeau Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The work presents a portrait study executed in monochrome, primarily utilizing shades of brown and black on a dark background. The subject is positioned in profile, though the perspective is fractured and distorted, characteristic of a Cubist approach. A hat with a wide brim dominates the upper portion of the composition, casting shadows across the face and contributing to an overall sense of enclosure.
The artist has rendered the eyes as focal points, emphasizing their size and intensity through careful shading and detailing. They possess a palpable weight, conveying a feeling of scrutiny or perhaps melancholy. The mouth is suggested rather than explicitly defined, adding to the ambiguity of the subject’s emotional state. Facial features are fragmented; planes shift abruptly, creating an unsettling visual dynamism. This deconstruction challenges conventional notions of representation, moving beyond mere likeness towards an exploration of psychological complexity.
The treatment of the neck and shoulders further reinforces this sense of fragmentation. They appear almost detached from the head, contributing to a feeling of instability and emotional disquiet. A delicate netting or lace detail is visible at the lower edge of the composition, providing a textural contrast against the darker tones and hinting at an element of refinement or fragility.
The restricted palette and stark contrasts contribute to a somber mood. The darkness enveloping the figure suggests isolation or introspection. Beyond a straightforward depiction, the work seems to explore themes of identity, perception, and the inherent instability of human experience. It is not merely a likeness but rather a psychological portrait, conveying an impression of inner turmoil and emotional depth through its fractured form and intense gaze.