1937 Femme au bВret et Е la robe rouge Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a figure rendered in a style characterized by fractured planes and simplified forms. A vibrant yellow background dominates the space, providing a stark contrast to the subjects coloration. The individual is depicted from the chest upwards, facing slightly towards the viewer’s left.
The face exhibits a pale blue hue, with features arranged asymmetrically. One eye is positioned higher than the other, contributing to an unsettling sense of imbalance. A dark green patch obscures part of the cheek, suggesting either injury or a deliberate masking of emotion. The mouth is rendered as a thin line, conveying a certain stoicism or perhaps melancholy.
The figure wears a patterned hat, predominantly in shades of blue and green, atop a head with strands of pink hair visible on one side. A red garment, likely a jacket or dress, covers the torso. Large black buttons are affixed down the front, adding a touch of formality to the otherwise unconventional presentation. The sleeves appear abbreviated and textured, suggesting a rough fabric or perhaps an intentional distortion of proportion.
The artist employed a limited palette, relying on bold blocks of color rather than subtle gradations. This approach contributes to the painting’s flattened perspective and its emphasis on formal elements over realistic representation.
Subtleties within the work hint at underlying tensions. The asymmetry in facial features, coupled with the obscured cheek, could be interpreted as a reflection of psychological distress or trauma. The bright yellow background, while visually arresting, also creates a sense of isolation for the figure. The formality of the attire contrasts sharply with the fragmented and distorted depiction, suggesting a disconnect between outward appearance and inner state. The overall effect is one of controlled emotional restraint, conveyed through a deliberate manipulation of form and color.