1940 Autoportrait 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a frontal portrait of a man, rendered in a style characterized by agitated, short strokes of graphite. The artist chose to depict himself with a direct gaze, conveying a sense of introspection and perhaps even confrontation. The face is marked by deep lines etched around the eyes and mouth, suggesting age and experience, possibly hardship.
The application of shading is uneven; areas of dense hatching contrast sharply with lighter passages, creating a textural effect that emphasizes the rough quality of the drawing itself. This technique contributes to an overall impression of vulnerability and emotional intensity. The neck appears elongated, and a scarf or collar obscures much of the upper chest, adding to the feeling of confinement or isolation.
The composition is tightly cropped, focusing solely on the head and shoulders. This close framing intensifies the viewers engagement with the subject’s expression. There is an absence of background detail; the figure emerges from a plain, light-colored ground, which further concentrates attention on his features and demeanor.
Subtly, there is a sense of melancholy conveyed through the downturned mouth and the shadowed areas beneath the eyes. The drawing seems to explore themes of self-scrutiny and perhaps an awareness of mortality. It’s not merely a representation of physical appearance but rather an attempt to capture a psychological state – a moment of quiet contemplation, tinged with sadness or resignation.