1937 Portrait de Dora au chignon Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we observe a portrait executed in graphite on paper. The subject is a woman depicted in profile, her gaze directed towards an unseen point beyond the frames edge. Her hair is styled into a neat bun at the nape of her neck, with strands escaping and softening the contours of her face.
The artist’s handling of the medium emphasizes texture and volume. Dense hatching creates shadow and depth around the eyes, nose, and jawline, while lighter strokes suggest the delicate quality of skin and the wispy nature of the hair. The drawing is not fully rendered; certain areas are left with only a suggestion of form, contributing to an overall sense of immediacy and intimacy.
The woman’s expression appears contemplative, perhaps even melancholic. Theres a quietness about her posture and features that evokes a feeling of introspection. The simplicity of the composition – a head-and-shoulders portrait against a plain background – focuses attention entirely on the subject’s countenance. This restraint suggests an attempt to capture not merely a likeness, but also something of the womans inner state.
The drawing possesses a certain fragility; the paper itself appears aged and slightly worn, hinting at a history beyond its creation. The lack of overt ornamentation or dramatic gesture implies a desire for honesty and directness in portraying the subject. It is likely that this work served as a study, perhaps preliminary to a larger composition, allowing the artist to explore form and expression before committing to a more elaborate rendering.