1954 Portrait de Sylvette David 06 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a female figure in profile, rendered with a distinct angularity and simplification characteristic of a particular artistic style. The subjects face is composed of geometric planes; the nose is elongated and sharply defined, while the eyes are reduced to essential shapes, conveying an impression of introspection rather than direct engagement. A high ponytail dominates the composition, its lines echoing the verticality of the figure and contributing to a sense of restrained elegance.
Behind the subject, a patterned background suggests a chair or screen constructed from interwoven elements. This backdrop is not depicted with realistic detail but instead as a series of intersecting lines that create a textural contrast against the smoother planes of the face. The interplay between the solid form of the figure and the fragmented nature of the background generates visual tension.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. Lines are often broken, hesitant, or overlapping, suggesting a process of observation and reconstruction rather than a straightforward representation. This technique lends the drawing an immediacy and spontaneity, as if capturing a fleeting moment in time. The lack of shading further emphasizes the linear quality of the work, directing attention to the contours and structure of the subject.
Subtly, there is a sense of melancholy conveyed through the figure’s posture and expression. While not overtly sad, the downward tilt of the head and the slightly downturned mouth suggest an underlying introspection or quiet contemplation. The overall effect is one of dignified reserve, hinting at a complex inner life beyond what is immediately visible. The drawing seems to explore themes of identity, perception, and the challenges of representing human form in a non-naturalistic manner.