1937 Portrait de Dora Maar Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in charcoal on paper. A womans face dominates the composition, rendered with a striking combination of directness and expressive distortion. The artist has placed her centrally within the frame, her gaze directed slightly upwards and outwards, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps melancholy.
The facial features are not idealized; rather, they appear somewhat angular and asymmetrical. The eyes, particularly, possess a pronounced intensity, accentuated by the dark shading beneath them. A palpable sense of vulnerability is suggested through the downturned mouth and the subtle furrowing of the brow.
Surrounding the woman’s head is a chaotic tangle of lines that seem to emanate outwards, creating a visual field of agitation or emotional turbulence. These swirling marks are not merely decorative; they appear integral to conveying the sitters psychological state. They disrupt any sense of conventional beauty and contribute to an overall feeling of unease. The artist’s use of charcoal allows for a range of tonal values, from deep blacks to delicate greys, which further enhance the emotional depth of the work.
The inscription in the upper left corner, rendered in a cursive script, provides contextual information regarding date and location, but also adds another layer of intimacy – a personal note appended to the formal portrait. The drawing’s style suggests an exploration of psychological complexity rather than a straightforward representation of physical appearance. It hints at a deeper engagement with the sitters inner life, revealing not just her likeness but also a sense of her emotional burden.