1963 Femme dans un fauteuil, les bras croisВs (Buste) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a portrait of a woman rendered in a fragmented and stylized manner. The figure is depicted from the bust upwards, seated with her arms crossed, creating a posture that suggests both defensiveness and introspection. Her gaze is directed outward, yet seems distant, conveying an air of melancholy or detachment.
Here we see a deliberate distortion of facial features; the eyes are disproportionately large and positioned asymmetrically, contributing to a sense of unease and psychological complexity. The nose is elongated and angular, while the mouth appears small and subtly downturned. A yellow band adorns her hair, providing a stark contrast against the predominantly cool color palette.
The artist employed a limited range of colors – primarily blues, greens, reds, and blacks – applied with visible brushstrokes that emphasize the textural quality of the paint surface. The background is rendered in broad strokes of green, creating an ambiguous space that does not offer any clear spatial context. This lack of depth further isolates the figure within the composition.
The crossed arms are a significant element; they function as both a physical barrier and a symbolic representation of emotional closure. They suggest a reluctance to engage or be vulnerable. The hands themselves are rendered with simplified forms, yet retain an expressive quality that draws attention to their gesture.
Subtly, there is a sense of confinement within the composition. While not explicitly depicted, the figure’s posture and the compressed space contribute to a feeling of psychological constraint. This could be interpreted as reflecting themes of alienation or societal pressures experienced by women during the mid-20th century. The overall effect is one of quiet intensity, inviting contemplation on the subjects inner state and the complexities of human experience.