1967 femmes nues Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a reclining female figure rendered in a stark, linear style. The composition is dominated by sweeping curves and simplified forms, eschewing detailed anatomical representation for a focus on gesture and overall shape. A sense of immediacy arises from the apparent spontaneity of the lines; they appear to have been executed with swiftness and confidence.
The subject reclines diagonally across the page, her body twisting in a manner that disrupts conventional notions of perspective. One arm is extended above her head, while the other rests along her side, creating an asymmetrical balance within the composition. The face, though minimally detailed, conveys a sense of introspection or perhaps even melancholy through its large, almond-shaped eyes and subtly downturned mouth.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. It isnt merely descriptive; it actively defines form and creates a dynamic interplay between positive and negative space. The lines are often broken or hesitant, suggesting a process of observation and construction rather than a finished product. This contributes to the drawing’s feeling of being a study, an exploration of the female figure in motion.
Subtextually, the work seems to engage with themes of vulnerability and introspection. The reclining pose itself is traditionally associated with contemplation and repose, yet the figures posture and facial expression introduce an element of unease or quiet sadness. The simplification of form could be interpreted as a stripping away of superficiality, revealing a more essential human presence.
The inscription in the upper left corner – 19.67.III – provides temporal context, anchoring the work within a specific moment and suggesting it might be part of a larger series or exploration. The signature at the bottom right adds a layer of authorship, grounding the image in a personal artistic vision. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of quiet intensity, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human emotion and form through a distilled visual language.