1938 Femme assise 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a seated female figure rendered in stark black and white tones against a dark background. The subject is positioned in profile, her gaze directed towards the viewers left. A pronounced elongation characterizes her features; the nose is particularly extended, contributing to an overall sense of stylized distortion. Her hair, depicted with agitated, swirling lines, cascades down her back and shoulders, creating a textural contrast against the smoother planes of her face.
The artist employed a deliberate simplification of form. Details are minimized, and contours are emphasized through bold outlines. The clothing appears rudimentary, suggested by broad strokes that define the neckline and shoulder area. A geometric shape, possibly representing part of a garment or an architectural element, is positioned to the right of the figure, adding another layer of abstraction.
The limited tonal range contributes to a feeling of austerity and introspection. The darkness surrounding the subject isolates her, drawing attention to her posture and expression. While difficult to discern precisely, theres a hint of melancholy in the downturned curve of her mouth. This, combined with the elongated features and simplified forms, suggests an exploration of psychological states rather than a straightforward portraiture.
The signature, visible at the bottom right corner, is rendered in a compact script, further reinforcing the sense of deliberate restraint that permeates the work. The drawing’s aesthetic choices point towards a focus on conveying emotional depth through formal abstraction and a reduction of representational detail.