1938 Homme au cornet de glace 3 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a frontal portrait of a man, rendered in a fragmented and distorted style characteristic of Cubism. The figure dominates the canvas, filling nearly the entire space with its presence. A large, elaborate hat, predominantly blue and white with decorative flourishes, obscures much of the upper portion of his head and casts shadows across his face.
The artist has deconstructed the human form, presenting multiple perspectives simultaneously. We see a profile view of one eye while the other is depicted frontally, creating an unsettling sense of disorientation. The nose is rendered as a series of angular planes, and the mouth is open in what could be interpreted as either a grimace or a gesture of surprise. A patch of green-tinged beard covers part of his lower face, contrasting with the pinkish hue of his skin elsewhere.
The man holds an object – likely a cone – in his outstretched hand, positioned near his mouth. The significance of this detail remains ambiguous; it could represent a treat, a symbol of indulgence, or perhaps something more metaphorical related to pleasure and fleeting enjoyment.
A dark background provides stark contrast against the figure’s face and hat. A burst of yellow light emanates from the upper right corner, suggesting an external source illuminating the scene. This light doesnt soften the harshness of the portrait but rather accentuates its angularity and fragmented nature.
The overall effect is one of psychological complexity. The disjointed features and unsettling gaze suggest a sense of alienation or internal conflict. The elaborate hat might be interpreted as a mask, concealing the man’s true emotions or identity. Theres an underlying tension between the figure’s apparent joviality (implied by the cone) and the palpable unease conveyed through his expression and fragmented form. The painting seems to explore themes of identity, perception, and the complexities of human experience within a fractured modern world.