1963 Portrait de Jacqueline Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The portrait presents a female figure rendered in a fragmented and stylized manner. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the subjects frontal presentation. A striking division of color dominates the visual field: one side of the face and torso are painted in shades of green, while the other is delineated with blue hues. This chromatic dichotomy immediately establishes a sense of duality or perhaps an exploration of perspective.
The figure’s features are simplified and somewhat distorted, characteristic of a Cubist approach. The eyes, large and almond-shaped, possess a directness that draws the viewers attention. They convey a certain melancholy or introspection, contrasting with the otherwise flattened planes of the face. The nose is reduced to a geometric form, and the mouth is subtly indicated, contributing to an overall impression of restrained emotion.
The artist employed bold brushstrokes and a limited palette, creating a sense of immediacy and raw expression. The application of paint appears deliberate yet somewhat spontaneous, suggesting a focus on capturing essence rather than precise representation. A patterned garment covers the upper body; its design is composed of broad stripes in varying colors – yellow, green, pink, and red – further contributing to the fragmented quality of the image.
The subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of perception and identity. The fractured planes suggest a deconstruction of conventional portraiture, challenging the notion of a singular, unified representation of an individual. The color division could symbolize internal conflict or the multifaceted nature of personality. The figure’s gaze, while direct, also seems distant, hinting at a sense of isolation or introspection. Ultimately, the painting invites contemplation on how we perceive and construct identity, both in ourselves and others.