1967 Nu assis et flutiste 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a figure seated and engaged in playing a flute. The composition is dominated by dense, swirling lines that create a sense of movement and distortion. A stark contrast between deep blacks and areas of lighter gray defines the forms, contributing to an overall feeling of dramatic intensity.
Here we see a female figure positioned centrally within the frame. Her posture suggests relaxation, yet her face exhibits a complex expression – a mixture of introspection and perhaps melancholy. The flute she holds is rendered with a degree of detail that contrasts with the more generalized treatment of her body. Above her, another figure appears to be observing or interacting with the scene; its features are less distinct, almost ghostly in their execution.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes line over form, resulting in an image that feels both immediate and fragmented. The lines themselves seem to vibrate, creating a visual energy that prevents the eye from settling on any single point. This energetic quality is further amplified by the lack of clear spatial depth; the background appears compressed, almost as if the scene exists within a confined space.
The subtexts embedded in this drawing are open to interpretation. The presence of music – the flute – suggests themes of creativity and expression. However, the figure’s somber countenance and the distorted rendering of her form hint at underlying anxieties or emotional turmoil. The observing figure introduces an element of voyeurism or perhaps a sense of judgment. It is possible that the work explores the complexities of human interaction, the burden of artistic creation, or the fragility of identity. Ultimately, the drawing’s power lies in its ambiguity and ability to evoke a range of emotions within the viewer.