1969 TИte dhomme 5 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The artwork presents a fragmented portrait of a male figure rendered in a stark, expressive style. The face is constructed from angular planes and distorted features, immediately suggesting a departure from realistic representation. A central, pale green plane dominates the composition, forming the core of the facial structure while simultaneously creating a sense of detachment or mask-like quality. This central area is flanked by darker areas that define the cheekbones and jawline, contributing to an overall impression of tension and asymmetry.
The eyes are particularly striking; large, almond-shaped, and positioned with an unsettling directness. Above them, stylized blue spirals emerge from the forehead, resembling a crown or perhaps suggesting a psychological turbulence. The mouth is rendered as a dark, gaping void, hinting at suppressed emotion or a silent scream. A prominent beard, depicted in thick black lines, adds to the figure’s imposing presence and reinforces the sense of a troubled individual.
The background is largely monochromatic, with areas of deep black contrasting against lighter tones that define the facial planes. This limited palette emphasizes the dramatic lighting and intensifies the emotional impact of the subject. A reddish-brown area at the bottom of the composition appears to represent clothing or perhaps a symbolic backdrop, its jagged edges echoing the fractured nature of the face above.
The artist’s use of line is forceful and deliberate; each stroke contributes to the overall sense of fragmentation and psychological complexity. The work seems to explore themes of identity, suffering, and the inherent instability of human perception. It evokes a feeling of unease and introspection, prompting consideration of the internal struggles that lie beneath the surface of appearances. The fragmented nature of the portrait suggests a breakdown or deconstruction of self, leaving the viewer with a sense of unresolved tension and profound melancholy.