1957 Portrait de Jacqueline 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a figure rendered in a stylized manner, set against a vibrant red background. The subject appears to be a woman, her face presented in profile with a pronounced nose and large, almond-shaped eyes that gaze off to the side. A green fabric drapes around her head, partially obscuring her hair and adding a contrasting color element.
The artist employed a limited palette of colors – red, black, white, and green – which contribute to a sense of starkness and emotional intensity. The figure’s form is simplified, with geometric shapes defining the contours of her face and body. A significant portion of the torso is depicted in white, creating a visual break from the darker tones dominating the rest of the composition.
The womans hand is visible at the lower right corner, delicately rendered with elongated fingers. This detail introduces an element of fragility and perhaps vulnerability to the overall portrayal. The background’s intense red hue seems to press against the figure, potentially conveying a feeling of confinement or emotional pressure.
Theres a deliberate flattening of perspective; spatial depth is minimized, which contributes to the painting’s two-dimensionality and emphasizes the formal qualities of line and color. The brushstrokes appear loose and expressive, suggesting an immediacy in the artist’s execution. A date – 3.12.57 – is inscribed on the upper left corner, providing a temporal anchor for the work.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of identity and representation. The stylized depiction suggests a focus not on realistic portrayal but rather on conveying an essence or emotional state. The woman’s gaze, directed away from the viewer, implies introspection or detachment. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion conveyed through simplified forms and a bold color scheme.