1971 TИte Е loiseau II Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a distorted human face intertwined with avian forms, executed in a vibrant palette dominated by yellows, blues, and earthy browns. The artist has employed thick, visible brushstrokes that contribute to a sense of dynamism and emotional intensity. Here we see the figure’s features are rendered in an exaggerated, almost caricature-like style; the eyes are large and intensely blue, conveying a feeling of vulnerability or perhaps anxiety. The nose is prominent and angular, while the mouth appears small and tightly closed, suggesting restraint or suppressed emotion.
A bird, depicted with similar stylistic distortions, emerges from the lower portion of the face, its form seemingly integrated into the contours of the jawline. Its yellow plumage echoes the tones used for the facial features, blurring the boundaries between human and animal. The bird’s head is tilted downwards, creating a sense of subservience or dependence within the overall composition.
The background is ambiguous, composed of swirling brushstrokes that lack distinct form, further emphasizing the central figures isolation. A circular shape, possibly representing a halo or a stylized headdress, frames the face, adding to its symbolic weight.
Subtextually, the work appears to explore themes of identity and confinement. The merging of human and avian forms suggests a loss of individuality or a sense of being trapped within a particular role or circumstance. The bird’s presence could be interpreted as representing freedom or aspiration, yet its integration into the face implies an inability to fully realize those desires. The intense gaze of the figure hints at an internal struggle, perhaps a confrontation with ones own limitations or societal expectations. Overall, the painting conveys a feeling of psychological tension and unresolved conflict through its distorted forms and expressive use of color.