1969 TИte dhomme 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a fragmented portrait, rendered in bold, contrasting colors and characterized by a deliberate distortion of form. Here we see a figure, ostensibly male, whose features are deconstructed and reassembled into a complex arrangement of planes and angles. The face is not presented as a unified whole but rather as a collection of disparate elements – the eyes are disproportionately large and shadowed, conveying an intensity that borders on unsettling; the nose is reduced to a series of angular lines; and the mouth appears compressed and almost swallowed by the surrounding structure.
The color palette contributes significantly to the overall effect. A vibrant green background provides a stark contrast to the flesh tones – oranges, yellows, and reds – used for the face and hair. The use of blue in the hair introduces another layer of visual complexity, further separating the figure from any sense of naturalism. These colors are applied with broad strokes, creating a textured surface that emphasizes the painting’s expressive qualities over meticulous detail.
The artists choice to depict the subject in this manner suggests an exploration of identity and perception. The fragmentation of the face could be interpreted as a representation of psychological turmoil or a questioning of conventional notions of beauty and representation. It is possible to read the work as a commentary on the fractured nature of modern experience, where individuals are often reduced to fragmented parts within larger societal structures.
The presence of what appears to be eyewear – dark lenses obscuring the eyes – adds another layer of subtext. This detail could signify a desire for protection, detachment, or perhaps even a deliberate attempt at concealment. The glasses serve as both a physical barrier and a symbolic representation of distance between the subject and the viewer.
The date inscribed in the upper left corner – 9.7.69 – provides a temporal anchor, situating the work within a specific historical context marked by social upheaval and artistic experimentation. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of unease and ambiguity, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human identity and the nature of representation itself.