1936 Portrait de Dora Maar 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The portrait presents a woman viewed in a close-up composition. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying a sense of directness and perhaps even challenge. The subjects hair appears windswept, contributing to a dynamic quality that disrupts any potential for static composure. A dark, undefined shape rises behind her, acting as a backdrop but also suggesting an enclosing or oppressive presence.
The artist’s handling of color is notable. Skin tones are rendered with a pallor accentuated by the stark contrast against the background and the vivid red of her lips. The arms, crossed in front of her torso, display a peculiar lilac hue on the underside, which deviates from naturalistic representation and introduces an element of psychological complexity. A yellow-ochre plane forms the lower portion of the composition, providing a grounding visual base but also contributing to the overall sense of unease through its unexpected color.
The woman’s expression is difficult to decipher definitively; it oscillates between melancholy and defiance. The eyebrows are drawn together slightly, hinting at an underlying tension or sadness. Yet, her eyes possess a certain intensity that suggests resilience.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of emotional vulnerability and inner strength. The windswept hair could symbolize turmoil or exposure, while the crossed arms might indicate defensiveness or introspection. The unusual color choices – particularly the lilac on the arms – suggest an attempt to convey a psychological state rather than purely physical appearance. The dark shape behind her hints at unseen forces or burdens weighing upon the subject. Overall, the work conveys a sense of restrained drama and psychological depth, inviting contemplation about the complexities of human emotion.