1954 Portrait de Sylvette David 14 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

Here we observe a monochromatic portrait, executed in what appears to be oil paint or a similar medium. The subject is a young woman, presented in profile with her gaze directed towards the viewer. Her features are rendered with a deliberate angularity and simplification characteristic of a particular artistic style. The nose is elongated and prominent, while the eyes possess an almost unsettling directness.
The hair is depicted as a series of tightly coiled strands, suggesting volume and texture despite the lack of color. It frames the face in a somewhat asymmetrical fashion, contributing to the overall sense of unconventional beauty. A portion of her neck extends downwards, merging with what seems to be the upper edge of clothing – a simple garment indicated by broad strokes.
The background is ambiguous, composed of swirling, indistinct forms that lack clear definition. This treatment serves to isolate the figure and direct attention towards her face and expression. The tonal range is limited, relying on variations in gray to create depth and form. Theres a palpable sense of introspection conveyed through the subject’s gaze; it isnt overtly emotional but rather suggests a quiet contemplation or perhaps even a subtle melancholy.
The artist seems interested not merely in representing likeness, but in exploring the underlying structure of the face and conveying an impression of personality through stylized form. The deliberate distortion of features and the flattened perspective contribute to a sense of psychological depth, hinting at complexities beyond surface appearance. The work evokes a feeling of restrained elegance and a certain intellectual distance between the subject and the viewer.