1955 Jacqueline assise en costume turc Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a seated female figure rendered in a highly stylized and fragmented manner. The subject is positioned centrally within the composition, facing forward with a direct gaze that conveys both intensity and reserve. Her features are deconstructed into geometric planes, characteristic of an analytical approach to portraiture. A prominent eye, disproportionately large relative to the rest of her face, dominates the left side of her visage, drawing immediate attention and suggesting a psychological depth.
The figure’s hair cascades down in thick, dark strands, obscuring portions of her shoulders and contributing to a sense of enclosure or confinement. The costume she wears is equally fragmented; intricate patterns are visible on the sleeves, interwoven with geometric shapes that echo the deconstruction of her facial features. These patterns appear almost ornamental, yet their disruption through the fractured lines suggests a questioning of traditional notions of beauty and adornment.
A small, rectangular sheet of paper is held in front of the figure’s torso. Upon it are scribbled markings – a series of intersecting lines enclosing an O shape – which seem to function as a symbolic element within the work. The meaning of these marks remains ambiguous; they could represent a fleeting thought, a coded message, or perhaps a visual echo of the fragmentation present throughout the composition.
The color palette is limited but impactful. Deep blues and blacks dominate, punctuated by flashes of red that highlight certain features and add to the overall sense of drama. The use of colored pencils lends a raw, immediate quality to the work, suggesting an impulsive creative process.
Subtly, theres a feeling of melancholy or introspection emanating from the figure. Her posture is somewhat withdrawn, her gaze unwavering yet distant. The fractured nature of her representation might be interpreted as a visual metaphor for a sense of alienation or psychological complexity. The drawing doesn’t offer easy answers; instead, it invites contemplation on themes of identity, perception, and the fragmented nature of human experience.