1941 Femme assise dans un fauteuil Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a seated figure within a defined space, rendered in a fragmented and stylized manner. The individual is positioned on a chair whose form echoes the angularity of the person depicted. A guitar rests against their body, its shape integrated into the overall geometric construction of the figure.
Here we see a deliberate flattening of perspective; spatial depth is eschewed in favor of a two-dimensional plane where forms overlap and intersect. The color palette is restricted to bold, contrasting hues – reds, greens, blues, pinks, and yellows – applied in broad blocks rather than blended smoothly. This contributes to the sense of visual disruption and abstraction.
The face of the figure is characterized by simplified features: a single eye, a sharply defined nose, and an elongated mouth. The hair appears as dark, vertical stripes that further emphasize the geometric breakdown of form. Theres a distinct lack of naturalism; instead, the artist seems more interested in exploring the underlying structure of the subject through deconstruction and reassembly.
The background is divided into planes of color, creating a sense of enclosure but also contributing to the overall feeling of instability. A vertical band of yellow-orange runs along the left edge, acting as a visual counterpoint to the dominant green on the right.
Subtly, theres an impression of melancholy or introspection conveyed through the figure’s posture and facial expression. The rigid lines and fractured forms suggest a sense of confinement or psychological tension. The guitar, often associated with music and emotional release, seems almost like a burden rather than a source of solace within this constrained environment. The overall effect is one of alienation and a questioning of conventional representation.