1949 Femme aux cheveux verts II Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a figure dominated by angular forms and a restricted palette. Here we observe a woman rendered in a stylized manner, her features simplified into planes and sharp lines. The face is characterized by large, almond-shaped eyes that convey an expression of melancholy or introspection; the gaze appears directed inward rather than outward. A prominent nose and thin lips contribute to a sense of austerity.
The artist depicted the hair as a voluminous mass of green, arranged in a complex pattern that obscures much of the neck and upper torso. This treatment emphasizes the head as the focal point, drawing attention to the emotional state suggested by the facial features. The background is a muted purple-grey, providing contrast to the green hair and allowing the figure to emerge from the surface.
Below the head, the body is reduced to essential shapes; the shoulders are broad and squared, while the arms appear elongated and somewhat detached. A decorative pattern fills the lower portion of the image, consisting of repeated geometric motifs that seem almost hieroglyphic in their appearance. This patterned area creates a sense of enclosure or confinement around the figure.
A single, vertical line extends from the right side of the composition, intersecting with the figure’s form and adding to the overall feeling of spatial ambiguity. It could be interpreted as an architectural element, a symbolic marker, or simply a compositional device intended to disrupt the visual flow.
Subtextually, the work suggests themes of isolation and introspection. The womans downcast gaze and somber expression imply a state of inner turmoil or contemplation. The stylized rendering and flattened perspective contribute to a sense of detachment from reality, as if the figure exists in a dreamlike or symbolic realm. The patterned background might represent societal constraints or psychological barriers that limit the individual’s freedom. Overall, the painting conveys a mood of quiet sadness and existential questioning.