1941 Portrait de Mademoiselle Aubrey Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a female subject in profile, rendered with a deliberate economy of lines and tonal shading. Here we see a young woman facing left; her gaze is directed outward, beyond the frame. The composition is tightly cropped, focusing almost entirely on her head and upper neck.
The artist employed a combination of fine black outlines to define the contours of the face and hair, alongside softer pencil strokes to suggest volume and light. A warm ochre tone has been used for shading, particularly in the depiction of the hair, which appears meticulously styled with an upward sweep at the crown. The hairstyle itself suggests a contemporary fashion of the period.
The features are rendered with a certain angularity; the nose is prominent, the chin sharply defined. While theres an attempt at realism, the proportions appear slightly stylized, contributing to a sense of formality and perhaps even a touch of detachment. The earring, a simple circular form, provides a small detail that hints at personal adornment.
The background is left largely unrendered, appearing as a pale, almost uniform tone. This lack of context draws attention solely to the subjects face and posture. It creates an impression of isolation or introspection.
Subtly, there’s a sense of restraint in the work. The absence of overt emotion, coupled with the precise rendering of features, suggests a portrait intended not for sentimental display but rather as a study of character or perhaps even a record of social standing. The drawing conveys an impression of quiet dignity and composure, hinting at a personality that is both reserved and observant.