1938 Maya en tenue de marin Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a figure rendered in a highly stylized manner, occupying nearly the entire vertical space of the canvas. The individual is depicted wearing a sailors uniform – a blue jacket with yellow trim and a white collar – and stands atop what appears to be a wheeled platform or cart. A prominent butterfly net is held in the left hand, while the right arm extends forward, seemingly guiding the contraption’s movement.
The face of the figure is characterized by exaggerated features typical of Cubist aesthetics: an asymmetrical arrangement of eyes, one significantly larger than the other, and a boldly outlined mouth that dominates the lower portion of the visage. A single red flower adorns the hair, which is rendered in short, choppy strokes. The name Picasso is inscribed on the sailors cap, adding a layer of self-referentiality to the work.
The color palette is dominated by blues and yellows, contrasted with areas of purple, white, and black. A vibrant green band runs along the bottom edge of the canvas, providing a stark contrast to the cooler tones above. The background is a flat, pale blue, devoid of any spatial depth or detail.
Several subtexts emerge from this peculiar arrangement. The wheeled platform suggests a sense of displacement or artificial locomotion; the figure appears propelled rather than actively moving. The butterfly net implies an attempt at capture, perhaps symbolizing a desire to control or possess something elusive and beautiful – the butterfly itself is visible near the lower right corner. The inclusion of the artist’s name on the cap could be interpreted as a playful commentary on artistic identity and representation, blurring the lines between creator and creation.
The overall effect is one of unsettling strangeness; the figures exaggerated features and unusual posture evoke a sense of theatricality and absurdity. It seems to explore themes of confinement, artificiality, and the complexities of self-perception within an environment that feels both familiar (the sailor’s uniform) and utterly alien.