1967 TИte dhomme 2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The work presents a close-up portrait executed in black ink on paper. Here we observe a human face rendered with expressive distortion and a raw immediacy. The artist employed loose brushstrokes and washes to create a sense of movement and emotional intensity.
The facial features are exaggerated; the eyes, large and round, dominate the composition, conveying an impression of vulnerability or perhaps intense scrutiny. Their pupils are dark pools, seemingly absorbing light rather than reflecting it. The nose is rendered as a broad, almost flattened form, while the mouth is downturned, suggesting sadness or resignation. A prominent brow line contributes to the overall feeling of melancholy and introspection.
The artist utilized varying ink densities to model the face, creating areas of shadow and highlight that emphasize its contours. Blotting techniques are evident in the background and around the facial features, adding texture and a sense of spontaneity. The hair is suggested by swirling lines, further contributing to the dynamic quality of the image.
Beneath the face, a blurred, indistinct area appears, resembling an abstract landscape or perhaps a symbolic representation of the subconscious. This lower portion lacks the sharp definition of the upper part, creating a visual separation and suggesting a realm beyond immediate perception. The signature and date in the bottom right corner are rendered with a similar gestural quality to the rest of the work, integrating them seamlessly into the overall composition.
The subtexts within this piece seem to explore themes of human suffering, introspection, and perhaps even alienation. The distorted features and somber expression evoke a sense of psychological distress or existential questioning. The lack of background detail focuses attention entirely on the individual’s emotional state, suggesting an isolation from external context. The works immediacy and expressive style convey a feeling of unfiltered emotion, as if capturing a fleeting moment of intense internal experience.