1943 Portrait de femme (Dora Maar) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The portrait presents a woman rendered in a style characterized by simplified forms and bold color choices. The subject is positioned centrally against a vibrant green background that dominates the composition. Her gaze is direct, meeting the viewers with a certain intensity conveyed through large, pale blue eyes. These eyes are perhaps the most striking feature of her face, appearing almost detached from the surrounding planes.
The artist employed a limited palette; blues and greens are prevalent, punctuated by touches of brown in the hair and pink on the lips. The woman is adorned with an elaborate hat or headpiece, also rendered in shades of blue, which adds to the overall sense of formality and perhaps theatricality. A dark garment, possibly a jacket or dress, frames her upper body, accented with green detailing that echoes the background color.
The facial features are stylized; the nose is elongated and somewhat flattened, while the mouth is thin and subtly downturned. The simplification of these elements contributes to an impression of emotional restraint, bordering on melancholy. Theres a deliberate lack of detail in the rendering of skin texture, which further emphasizes the flatness of the image plane.
The composition suggests a sense of isolation; the figure appears somewhat removed from her surroundings, despite being centrally placed. The stark contrast between the subject and the background creates a visual barrier, reinforcing this feeling of detachment. One might interpret this as an exploration of identity or perhaps a commentary on the complexities of human emotion, conveyed through a carefully constructed arrangement of color and form. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity tinged with a subtle undercurrent of sadness.