1954 Portrait de Sylvette David 27 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a fragmented female figure rendered in charcoal on paper. The composition is dominated by geometric shapes and angular lines that deconstruct traditional notions of portraiture. A central, roughly triangular form establishes the head, while intersecting planes define the facial features. One eye is prominently displayed, gazing directly outward with an intensity that contrasts with the overall fractured presentation.
The artist employed a limited tonal range, relying primarily on shades of gray to create depth and volume within the abstracted forms. Lines are both bold and delicate, contributing to a sense of dynamism and instability. The figure’s hair is suggested by a series of parallel lines emanating from the head, creating a visual echo of the surrounding geometric structure.
The background is largely undefined, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the subjects fragmented form. This lack of contextual detail contributes to an atmosphere of isolation and introspection. The positioning of the figure – slightly angled towards the viewer – suggests a sense of vulnerability or exposure.
Subtly embedded within this formal structure are hints of psychological complexity. The direct gaze, despite the dismemberment of features, conveys a certain stoicism. The sharp angles and fractured planes might be interpreted as representing an internal struggle or a fragmented identity. There is a palpable tension between the figure’s apparent composure and the chaotic arrangement of its constituent parts.
The drawings monochromatic palette reinforces this sense of introspection, stripping away superficial details to reveal something more essential about the subject – a portrait not merely of appearance but also of an inner state.