The artwork titled “A red skirt” was created by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in 1901. This piece, executed in pastel on paper, measures 55 cm by 47 cm and is categorized within the genre painting tradition. It is indicative of the Expressionism movement, which sought to represent the world through subjective perspectives and evoke emotional responses.
The artwork itself depicts a solitary figure cloaked in shadows, with the red skirt being the most vibrant and intensely hued element in the composition. The figure is seated, appearing to be in a contemplative or perhaps despondent posture, with their head leaning towards their knees. The use of rapid, visible strokes imbues the work with a sense of urgency and emotional resonance. The background is muted, allowing the red skirt to stand out, serving as both a literal and figurative centerpiece around which the viewer’s attention revolves. Picasso’s choice of color and the sketched, almost ethereal nature of the figure’s upper body evoke a spectrum of emotional interpretations, aligning with the expressive aims synonymous with Expressionism.
