1971 TИte de mousquetaire 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a fragmented portrait rendered in pastel on what appears to be lightly toned paper. The subjects face is deconstructed into planes and angles, characteristic of early modern approaches to representation. A limited palette dominates: shades of purple, yellow, white, and muted browns form the composition.
Here we see an individual whose features are not realistically portrayed but rather abstracted through a simplification of forms. The eye, rendered with considerable size and intensity, is positioned slightly off-center, drawing immediate attention. It conveys a sense of introspection or perhaps melancholy. The mouth is subtly suggested, appearing almost downturned, contributing to the overall somber mood.
The artist employed bold outlines to delineate the planes of the face, creating a stark contrast against the softer pastel tones within those boundaries. This technique emphasizes the fractured nature of the portrait and contributes to its expressive quality. The hair is depicted as a mass of stylized waves in purple hues, further emphasizing the subject’s emotional state rather than literal representation.
The inscription mardi 2.2.71. VIII located in the upper right corner provides contextual information – it indicates the day (Tuesday), date (February 2nd, 1971) and possibly a sequence number or marking system used by the artist. This detail suggests a possible series of works or an ongoing exploration of similar themes.
Subtly, the drawing evokes a sense of psychological complexity. The fragmented form might suggest a fractured identity or a moment of internal struggle. The limited color range reinforces this feeling of restraint and introspection. While seemingly simple in execution, the work conveys a depth of emotion through its deliberate distortions and expressive use of line and color.