1938 Portrait de femme au chapeau Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The painting presents a female figure in profile, dominated by a large, elaborate hat. The composition is characterized by a fractured perspective and a deliberate distortion of facial features, hallmarks of a style that challenges conventional representation. Here we see the subjects face broken down into geometric planes, reassembled in an unconventional manner. The nose is elongated and angular, the mouth a simple curve, and the eyes are rendered as large, teardrop-shaped forms with pronounced lower lids.
The hat itself is constructed from overlapping segments of orange and yellow hues, creating a sense of volume and complexity that rivals the figure’s face in prominence. It casts shadows across her features, further emphasizing the fragmented nature of the portrait. The hair, depicted as short and dark, frames the face and merges with the contours of the hat.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing yellows, greens, oranges, and blacks. These colors are applied in flat planes rather than blended smoothly, contributing to the overall sense of angularity and fragmentation. A subtle green undertone permeates the skin tones, lending a slightly unsettling quality to the portrait.
Beyond the surface depiction, the painting suggests an exploration of identity and perception. The deconstruction of the face can be interpreted as a questioning of traditional notions of beauty and representation. The subject’s gaze is directed downwards, conveying a sense of introspection or perhaps melancholy. The elaborate hat might symbolize social status or a constructed persona, hinting at themes of disguise and performance.
The works formal qualities – the flattened space, the geometric shapes, and the limited color range – create an atmosphere that is both unsettling and intriguing. It invites viewers to reconsider their assumptions about portraiture and the nature of representation itself. The painting’s power lies not in its faithful depiction of a person but in its ability to evoke a complex emotional response through its unconventional visual language.