1954 Jacqueline Roque aux mains croisВes Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a seated figure rendered in a fragmented and angular style. The subject appears to be a woman, viewed in profile with a direct gaze that engages the viewer. Her expression is difficult to decipher; it conveys neither overt joy nor sadness, but rather a sense of quiet contemplation or perhaps restrained melancholy.
Here we see a deliberate disruption of traditional perspective. Planes shift abruptly, creating a flattened effect and denying spatial depth. The figure’s body is broken down into geometric shapes – triangles, rectangles, and sharp lines – which are then reassembled in a non-naturalistic manner. This deconstruction contributes to the sense of psychological complexity rather than physical representation.
The color palette is restricted but impactful. A dominant blue pervades the background, suggesting a somber mood or perhaps an interior space. Contrasting with this coolness are areas of red and yellow, which punctuate the composition and draw attention to specific elements – notably the striped fabric draped across the figure’s lap and the floor beneath her feet. The use of these colors is not purely decorative; they seem intended to evoke emotional responses or symbolic meanings.
The womans arms are crossed over her chest, a gesture that can be interpreted in multiple ways: as self-protection, resignation, or an attempt at composure. Her hands, rendered with careful detail despite the overall abstraction, appear almost clasped in supplication or perhaps a silent plea. The feet, also depicted with precision, suggest a groundedness and stability that contrasts with the instability of her emotional state.
The background is not merely a backdrop but actively participates in the composition’s meaning. A horizontal band of pink interrupts the blue expanse, creating a visual tension and suggesting a barrier or limitation. The overall effect is one of isolation and introspection, hinting at an internal struggle or a sense of confinement. The artist placed the figure within this constructed environment to emphasize her psychological state rather than her physical presence.

The work invites contemplation on themes of identity, vulnerability, and the complexities of human emotion, all conveyed through a distinctive visual language that prioritizes form and feeling over realistic depiction.