1947 Portrait de Florence Loeb Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The drawing presents a figure rendered in charcoal on what appears to be lightly toned paper. A young woman is depicted from the chest upwards, her gaze directed towards the viewer with an expression that conveys a sense of introspection or perhaps melancholy. Her hair, thick and dark, frames her face and falls forward, partially obscuring her shoulders.
The artist employed a linear style; bold outlines define the contours of the figure and contribute to a somewhat flattened perspective. Shading is used sparingly, primarily to suggest volume in the face and hair, but also to create a sense of depth within the background. The hand holding an object – likely a baton or similar slender instrument – is rendered with considerable detail, its position suggesting a moment of contemplation or perhaps a gesture of authority restrained.
The background is minimal, consisting of vertical lines that evoke a wall or curtain, further isolating the subject and directing attention to her presence. There’s a deliberate lack of environmental context; she exists within a void. The signature at the bottom left corner, along with the date 22/11/47, provides temporal grounding while simultaneously asserting authorship.
Subtleties in the drawing suggest a complexity beyond a simple portrait. The figures posture and facial expression hint at an internal narrative – a quiet struggle or a moment of profound thought. The baton, held loosely, could symbolize power, responsibility, or artistic creation itself. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and psychological depth, inviting speculation about the subject’s identity and inner life. The simplicity of the composition, combined with the expressive use of charcoal, creates an intimate and compelling study of a single individual.