1962 TИte de femme au chapeau Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

Here we observe a portrait study, executed in a style characterized by fractured planes and distorted features. The subject is presented as a woman wearing a hat, though her identity remains ambiguous due to the artists deliberate fragmentation of form. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer, yet it conveys an unsettling detachment rather than direct engagement.
The composition is dominated by angular shapes and sharp lines that dissect the face into distinct segments. These planes are rendered in a muted palette of greens, grays, and browns, with subtle variations in tone suggesting volume and depth despite the overall flattening effect. The hat itself is depicted as a series of overlapping forms, its brim casting shadows across the upper portion of her face.
The artist’s brushwork appears rapid and expressive, contributing to a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity. Theres an intentional lack of smooth transitions between planes; instead, abrupt shifts in perspective create a disorienting effect. The pearl at her throat is rendered with surprising detail, acting as a focal point amidst the surrounding abstraction.
Subtly, the work explores themes of identity and perception. By deconstructing the human form, the artist challenges conventional notions of beauty and representation. The woman’s expression, while difficult to decipher precisely, hints at melancholy or introspection. It is possible that the hat serves as a symbolic barrier, suggesting a sense of concealment or emotional distance.
The inscription in the upper left corner – a date – provides a temporal anchor but does little to clarify the subjects narrative. Ultimately, the painting resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human expression and the subjective nature of visual experience.