1971 TИte de mousquetaire 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The canvas presents a portrait-like composition dominated by a vibrant yellow background. The central figure is rendered in a highly stylized and distorted manner, immediately suggesting a departure from realistic representation. Here we see a face, seemingly male, characterized by exaggerated features: large, round eyes with prominent pupils, an overly wide smile revealing teeth, and a pronounced mustache that curls upwards. The skin tone appears to be a blend of blue and grey hues, contributing to the overall sense of unreality.
The figure is adorned with what seems to be elaborate headwear – a hat or cap embellished with feathers and a red floral detail. Brushstrokes are visible throughout, particularly in the rendering of the clothing, which appears to have a ruffled collar and possibly a waistcoat, though these details are simplified and somewhat abstracted. The application of paint is thick and impastoed, adding texture and visual weight to the surface.
The color palette is bold and unconventional. The intense yellow background creates a stark contrast with the cooler tones of the figure’s face and clothing. This chromatic choice contributes to the feeling of artificiality and perhaps even unease.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of identity and disguise. The exaggerated features and unnatural coloration suggest a character who is not entirely what he appears to be – a mask or persona rather than an authentic individual. The smile, while seemingly jovial, feels somewhat forced and unsettling in its intensity. It could be interpreted as a commentary on societal expectations or the performative nature of identity.
The simplification of form and the deliberate distortion of features point towards a rejection of traditional portraiture conventions. Instead, the artist seems interested in conveying an emotional state or psychological condition through visual exaggeration and abstraction. The overall effect is one of playful absurdity combined with a subtle undercurrent of melancholy or alienation.