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

The artwork presents a fragmented portrait of a man, rendered in a style characterized by angularity and distortion. The subject is depicted from a profile view, but the face is deconstructed into geometric planes that shift and overlap, defying conventional perspective. A prominent beard, meticulously detailed with individual strands, dominates the lower portion of the composition. It’s colored primarily in yellows and greens, contrasting sharply with the darker tones used for the hair and hat.
The eyes are rendered as dark, almost cavernous voids, positioned at an oblique angle to one another, contributing to a sense of unease or introspection. A cigarette is held between the lips, its presence adding a layer of complexity – perhaps suggesting contemplation, weariness, or even defiance. The color palette is restrained but impactful; blues, greens, yellows, and purples are employed in varying intensities to delineate form and create depth.
The background appears minimal, consisting of horizontal lines that suggest a landscape or possibly an abstract space. These lines do not offer grounding but rather serve to emphasize the isolation of the figure. The artist’s signature is visible at the upper right corner, rendered in a hurried script.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of identity and alienation. The fractured nature of the face suggests a psychological fragmentation or an attempt to portray the complexities of human character beyond superficial representation. The mans gaze, directed away from the viewer, implies detachment and introspection. The cigarette could be interpreted as a symbol of anxiety or a coping mechanism for dealing with internal turmoil. Overall, the piece conveys a mood of melancholy and quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the inner life of an individual struggling with unseen burdens.