1968 TИte dhomme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a fragmented portrait executed in black ink on cream-colored paper. The subject appears to be a man, though his features are rendered with considerable distortion and abstraction. A central focus is placed on the face, which is constructed from a series of overlapping lines and curves that disrupt conventional notions of facial symmetry and proportion.
The eyes are prominent, one appearing larger than the other, contributing to an unsettling asymmetry. The mouth is depicted as a narrow slit, suggesting either distress or a suppressed expression. A thick mane-like structure surrounds the head, composed of parallel vertical strokes that create a sense of agitation and confinement. These lines extend beyond the figures head, visually blurring the boundaries between the individual and their surroundings.
The neck is elongated and stylized, merging with the upper torso in an ambiguous form. The overall impression is one of psychological turmoil or intense emotional strain. The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy; it isnt used to define volume or create a sense of depth but rather to delineate planes and emphasize the fractured nature of the subjects identity.
The signature, located in the lower right corner alongside a date (17.6.68), provides a temporal anchor for the work. The simplicity of the medium – black ink on paper – heightens the immediacy and rawness of the expression. It suggests a spontaneous outpouring of emotion rather than a carefully considered composition.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of alienation, anxiety, and perhaps even persecution. The distorted features and agitated lines evoke a sense of vulnerability and psychological distress. The work could be interpreted as a visual representation of inner conflict or an attempt to capture the fragmented experience of modern existence. The absence of background detail further isolates the figure, reinforcing the feeling of loneliness and confinement.