1964 Buste dhomme Е la cigarette II Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The artwork presents a fragmented portrait of a man, rendered in a highly expressive and unconventional style. Here we see a bust-like composition, though the figure is not realistically depicted; instead, its constructed from angular planes and bold color blocks. The face is dominated by an intense gaze directed towards the viewer, achieved through large, almond-shaped eyes that possess a disconcerting directness. A prominent, elongated nose, rendered in red, contributes to the overall sense of unease and distortion.
The artist employed a limited palette primarily consisting of blues, yellows, greens, and reds, applied with visible brushstrokes or crayon marks, suggesting an immediacy and spontaneity in execution. The colors are not used naturalistically; rather, they serve to emphasize the emotional intensity of the subject. The blue tones dominate the hair and background, creating a sense of melancholy or introspection. Yellow highlights certain facial features, drawing attention to the eyes and nose, while green is utilized for the hands and parts of the face, adding an element of unsettling vibrancy.
The figure’s hands are positioned in front of his face, partially obscuring it and contributing to a feeling of concealment or defensiveness. One hand appears to be holding a cigarette, though its form is abstracted and integrated into the overall composition. This detail introduces themes of introspection, perhaps even self-destruction, as smoking often symbolizes contemplation or an attempt to cope with internal struggles.
The background is minimal, consisting of flat planes of color that do not offer spatial depth. A small, dark object sits on a surface near the figure’s left shoulder; its purpose and significance remain ambiguous, adding another layer of mystery to the work. The overall effect is one of psychological complexity and emotional turmoil. Its possible to interpret this as an exploration of identity, alienation, or the fragmented nature of human experience. The deliberate distortion of form and the use of jarring colors suggest a rejection of traditional representational techniques in favor of conveying subjective feeling.