1967 Nu assis au miroir Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The artwork presents a seated female figure confronting her reflection in a mirror. The composition is dominated by cool tones – blues, grays, and blacks – which contribute to a somber and introspective atmosphere. A date, 13.7.67, appears in the upper left corner, providing a temporal anchor for the scene.
Here we see a woman positioned in profile, her body angled towards the viewer while her gaze is directed at the mirror’s surface. The artist has rendered the figure with bold, expressive lines and broad brushstrokes, prioritizing gesture over precise anatomical detail. This approach lends a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity to the portrayal. The limbs are elongated and somewhat distorted, suggesting a deliberate departure from naturalistic representation.
The mirror itself is not depicted as a clear, reflective surface; instead, it appears as an ambiguous shape, echoing the contours of the woman’s face and body but lacking distinct clarity. This blurring of boundaries between subject and reflection introduces a layer of complexity to the work. The mirrored image seems less like a faithful representation and more like a fragmented echo or psychological projection.
The posture of the figure is significant. She sits with her legs crossed, her torso slightly hunched, conveying an impression of vulnerability and introspection. Her hand rests on her breast, a gesture that could be interpreted as self-awareness, contemplation, or even a subtle expression of melancholy. The overall effect is one of quiet solitude and internal examination.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of identity, perception, and the relationship between the self and its image. The ambiguous nature of the mirror suggests that self-perception is not always straightforward or accurate; it can be distorted by psychological factors or external influences. The limited color palette reinforces this sense of introspection, creating a space for contemplation rather than outward display. The work seems to invite viewers to consider their own relationship with self-image and the complexities of human identity.