1942 Femme Е chapeau assise dans un fauteuil Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a seated female figure rendered in a fractured and angular style. She is positioned centrally against a warm, earthy-toned background that lacks detail, serving primarily as a backdrop for the subject. The woman wears a distinctive hat, its form constructed from geometric planes of yellow and brown, adorned with what appears to be a star or stylized emblem.
The artist’s approach to depicting the face is particularly striking. Features are deconstructed and rearranged; the eyes are disproportionately large and positioned asymmetrically, conveying an unsettling gaze. The nose is reduced to a sharp triangle, while the mouth is rendered as a thin, crimson line. This fragmentation disrupts conventional notions of beauty and realism, contributing to a sense of psychological complexity.
The figure’s body is similarly abstracted, with planes of green, yellow, and blue defining her form. Her shoulders are squared, and she appears to be seated in a chair whose structure mirrors the angularity of her features. The limited color palette – dominated by earthy tones punctuated by vibrant yellows and reds – creates a visual tension that reinforces the overall sense of unease.
Subtleties within the work suggest possible interpretations beyond a simple portrait. The hat, with its prominent star-like detail, could be read as symbolic, perhaps referencing societal roles or aspirations. The woman’s direct gaze, despite the distorted features, implies an awareness and even defiance. The overall effect is one of controlled emotional restraint, hinting at underlying anxieties or suppressed feelings. The paintings aesthetic choices seem to prioritize conveying a psychological state over accurate representation, suggesting a commentary on identity, perception, and the complexities of human experience during a period marked by significant social upheaval.