1962 Jacqueline assise avec Kaboul II Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

Here we see a portrait rendered in a fractured and fragmented style. The subject is a woman, depicted from the chest up, seated or positioned with her hands clasped in her lap. Her gaze is directed slightly off-center, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps melancholy.
The artist employs a palette dominated by cool tones – blues, grays, and whites – which contribute to a somber atmosphere. The face itself is divided into distinct planes, each rendered with varying shades and textures. This deconstruction of form disrupts conventional notions of beauty and realism, instead emphasizing the subjective experience of perception. A striking yellow band bisects the hair, acting as a visual interruption that draws attention to the heads angularity.
The background is indistinct, composed of swirling brushstrokes in muted tones, which further isolates the figure and intensifies her sense of solitude. The lack of depth creates a flattened effect, pushing the subject forward into the viewer’s space.
Theres an unsettling quality to the portrait; the disjointed features and the woman’s ambiguous expression suggest a psychological complexity. It is not merely a representation of a person but rather an exploration of identity, perception, and perhaps even trauma. The deliberate distortion and fragmentation seem to imply a sense of brokenness or internal conflict. The hands clasped in her lap could be interpreted as a gesture of vulnerability or protection. Overall, the work evokes a feeling of quiet despair and invites contemplation on the nature of human experience.