1939 Portrait de Jaime Sabartes en Grand dEspagne Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The portrait presents a figure rendered in a style that deliberately distorts and reconfigures recognizable features. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, set against a muted, dark background which serves to emphasize the lighter tones of the face and attire. A broad-brimmed hat, adorned with a feather, sits atop the head, partially obscuring the hairline and contributing to an air of theatricality.
The most striking element is the face itself. It’s constructed from simplified planes and volumes, reminiscent of Cubist principles but retaining a degree of recognizable human form. The eyes are large and prominent behind round spectacles, lending an impression of intellectual curiosity or perhaps even eccentricity. A pronounced nose dominates the central axis of the composition, while the mouth is rendered with a subtle curve suggesting a restrained smile.
The subject’s clothing further contributes to the overall effect. A high, starched ruff encircles the neck, its intricate folds meticulously painted and providing a textural contrast to the smoother surfaces of the face. The color palette is subdued, dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and creams – with touches of red on the lips and highlights in the ruff.
Beyond the surface representation, several subtexts emerge. The costume – the hat and ruff – suggests a deliberate invocation of historical or theatrical imagery, possibly referencing the Spanish Golden Age. This could imply an exploration of identity, tradition, and perhaps even a commentary on performance and role-playing. The distorted features, while seemingly whimsical, might also be interpreted as a subtle critique of conventional portraiture or a reflection of the subject’s complex personality. Theres a sense of playful ambiguity; the figure is both familiar and alienating, inviting contemplation rather than straightforward recognition. The overall effect is one of studied artifice, where appearance is deliberately manipulated to convey something beyond mere likeness.