1954 Portrait de Sylvette David 08 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a three-quarter view of a young womans head and shoulders. The artist employed a technique characterized by dense, agitated hatching, creating a textural surface that obscures precise forms while suggesting volume and depth. A limited tonal range, primarily consisting of dark browns and blacks against a lighter background, contributes to the work’s somber mood.
The subject’s gaze is directed slightly off-center, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps a quiet reserve. Her features are rendered with a degree of simplification; the nose is prominent, the lips thin, and the eyes possess a certain melancholy quality. The hair cascades down her shoulders in a flurry of lines, mirroring the overall energetic application of the drawing medium. A suggestion of clothing appears beneath the hair, indicated by a few darker strokes that define its shape.
The artist’s handling of line is particularly noteworthy. Rather than smooth transitions or blended tones, theres an insistent quality to each stroke, as if capturing not just the likeness but also the fleeting nature of perception. The overlapping lines create a sense of movement and vitality, preventing the image from appearing static.
Subtly, the drawing evokes a feeling of vulnerability. The subject’s directness is tempered by a certain fragility suggested in her expression and the delicate rendering of her features. Theres an absence of overt adornment or embellishment; she appears presented with a stark honesty that invites contemplation. The lack of background context further isolates the figure, emphasizing her individual presence within the composition. It’s possible to interpret this as a study not just in portraiture but also in conveying psychological depth through minimal means.