1971 Nue assise au chapeau Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a figure rendered in a fragmented and abstracted style. Here we observe a predominantly frontal depiction of a woman seated, though her posture is ambiguous – she appears both upright and slightly slumped. The artist employed a palette dominated by blues, yellows, reds, and browns, applied with visible brushstrokes that contribute to the work’s textural quality.
The face is perhaps the most striking element; its constructed from angular planes and simplified features. One eye is rendered larger than the other, creating an unsettling asymmetry. The nose is reduced to a sharp, triangular form, while the mouth appears as a thin, almost hesitant line. A hat or head covering obscures part of the hair, adding to the sense of mystery surrounding the figure’s identity.
The body is similarly deconstructed; limbs are elongated and distorted, with hands appearing disproportionately large. The torso is suggested through overlapping planes of color, rather than being realistically depicted. A shawl or garment drapes over her shoulders, its folds indicated by broad strokes of yellow and brown.
The background is divided into distinct zones of color – a vibrant red above the figure’s head contrasts with a yellow area beneath her. This division creates a sense of spatial ambiguity; its unclear whether these are separate planes or simply areas within a single, flattened space.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of identity and perception. The fragmented nature of the figure suggests a breakdown of conventional representation, perhaps hinting at an exploration of inner states rather than external appearance. The asymmetry in the face could be interpreted as a commentary on the complexities of human emotion or the subjective nature of observation. The limited color palette, while visually striking, contributes to a mood that is both melancholic and enigmatic. The overall effect is one of psychological intensity, inviting contemplation about the subjects inner world and the artist’s process of deconstruction.