1942 Femme assise au petit chapeau rond Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

Here we observe a portrait of a seated woman rendered in a style characterized by fractured planes and simplified forms. The composition is dominated by cool tones – blues, purples, and browns – creating a somber atmosphere. The subject sits squarely within the frame, her posture suggesting both composure and a certain rigidity.
The artist has deconstructed the human form, presenting it not as a unified whole but as an assemblage of geometric shapes. Facial features are rendered with stark simplicity: large, almond-shaped eyes gaze directly forward, while the nose is reduced to a flattened plane. The mouth is a thin line, conveying a sense of restraint or melancholy. A small, round hat sits atop her head, its shape echoing the circular forms found elsewhere in the composition.
The woman’s attire consists of a blue garment with prominent buttons and a high-collared shirt, which contributes to an overall impression of formality and perhaps even austerity. The chair she occupies is similarly fragmented, mirroring the geometric breakdown of the figure itself.
Subtleties within the work suggest deeper meanings beyond a simple portrait. The direct gaze of the subject establishes a connection with the viewer, yet her expression remains enigmatic, resisting easy interpretation. The limited color palette and flattened perspective contribute to a feeling of confinement or isolation. One might interpret this as an exploration of psychological states – a sense of quiet resignation or suppressed emotion.
The deliberate distortion of form could be seen as a commentary on the fragility of identity in times of upheaval. The fractured planes may symbolize a fragmented self, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties inherent in periods of social or political unrest. While the subject’s posture conveys dignity, the overall effect is one of quiet sorrow, hinting at an underlying sense of loss or displacement.