1943 Maya dans ses cheveux une poupВe en tissu Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a portrait of a young girl, rendered in a style characterized by loose lines and a deliberate lack of detailed shading. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, her gaze directed straightforwardly towards the viewer. Her features are simplified; the eyes are large and prominent, conveying an impression of innocence or perhaps vulnerability. The nose is subtly indicated, while the mouth appears small and slightly pursed.
The hair is depicted with a series of spiraling curls that cascade around her face and shoulders. A fabric doll is nestled within these curls, positioned near the right temple. This inclusion introduces a layer of narrative complexity; the doll suggests childhood comfort, companionship, or perhaps a surrogate for maternal presence. The placement within the hair feels intimate, almost as if it’s an essential part of the girls identity.
The artist employed a limited range of tones, primarily relying on variations in line weight to suggest form and volume. This technique contributes to the drawing’s overall sense of immediacy and spontaneity. There is a certain fragility to the lines, suggesting a fleeting moment captured with swiftness.
Given the date inscribed at the bottom left corner (17 juin 1943), its reasonable to infer that this work was created during wartime. The simplicity of the composition and the focus on a child’s face could be interpreted as an attempt to preserve innocence and hope amidst difficult circumstances. The girl’s direct gaze, while seemingly straightforward, might also carry a subtle undercurrent of resilience or quiet strength. The presence of the doll reinforces this sense of fragile security in a time of uncertainty.

The drawings aesthetic choices – the loose lines, simplified forms, and focus on a child – suggest an exploration of themes related to childhood, memory, and perhaps even survival during times of conflict.