1971 TИte au chapeau 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The artwork presents a fragmented portrait study rendered in a limited palette of ochre, white, and black against a background of muted green. The composition is dominated by a figure wearing what appears to be a large hat or head covering, its contours defined with a nervous energy through quick, gestural lines. These lines create a sense of movement and instability around the form.
The face itself is deconstructed into planes and angles, characteristic of an analytical approach to representation. One eye is prominently displayed, rendered with a stark intensity that draws immediate attention. The other eye is partially obscured, contributing to a feeling of incompleteness or hidden depth. A vertical division cleaves the face diagonally, separating features and disrupting conventional notions of symmetry. This fracturing suggests a psychological complexity, perhaps an exploration of duality or internal conflict.
The artist employed a technique that combines drawing with elements suggestive of printmaking – the texture is uneven, with areas of dense hatching contrasting with lighter, more sparsely marked regions. The signature and numbering in the upper left corner are integrated into the composition rather than appearing as separate additions, further emphasizing the artwork’s unified character.
The overall effect is one of unsettling intimacy. While the subjects identity remains ambiguous, the direct gaze of the visible eye establishes a palpable connection with the viewer. The work seems to probe at the boundaries between representation and abstraction, inviting contemplation on themes of perception, identity, and the fragmented nature of human experience. The subdued color scheme reinforces this sense of introspection, creating an atmosphere that is both melancholic and compelling.