1955 Les femmes dAlger (Delacroix) XII Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a figure seated in what appears to be a relaxed posture, though the fragmented nature of its depiction complicates any straightforward reading of ease or comfort. The artist has employed a system of angular lines and planes to construct the form, eschewing traditional modeling techniques that would suggest volume and depth. Instead, we encounter a series of intersecting shapes, creating an effect of simultaneous perspectives – as if the figure is viewed from multiple angles at once.
The composition is dominated by verticality, with strong lines defining the torso and head. These are counterbalanced by diagonal elements in the legs and lower body, contributing to a sense of dynamic instability. The face, rendered as a collection of geometric forms, lacks any clear expression; it’s more an assemblage of features than a portrait conveying personality or emotion.
The artists use of charcoal allows for a range of tonal values, from deep blacks that emphasize the contours and shadows to lighter areas that suggest planes and surfaces. This interplay of light and dark further enhances the sense of fragmentation and complexity. The background is similarly constructed with geometric shapes, creating an ambiguous space that seems both present and absent simultaneously.
Subtly embedded within the composition are symbolic elements. A small, stylized object – perhaps a musical instrument or a decorative item – is positioned near the figure’s lap, hinting at cultural context or personal significance. The triangular forms recurring throughout the drawing might allude to architectural structures or perhaps represent fundamental geometric principles underlying the representation of form.
The overall effect is one of deconstruction and reassembly – a deliberate dismantling of conventional notions of human representation. It suggests an exploration of perception itself, questioning how we construct meaning from visual information. The work doesnt offer easy answers; instead, it invites prolonged engagement and multiple interpretations.