The artwork entitled “Female nude sitting in the armchair” is a notable work by the esteemed artist Pablo Picasso, created in the year 1964. It is representative of the Expressionism movement and falls within the genre of nude painting (nu). This piece reflects the innovative approach that Picasso brought to the avant-garde art scene, resonating with the emotional intensity characteristic of Expressionism.
The artwork depicts a female nude seated in an armchair, portrayed in a style that embodies Picasso’s departure from realistic representation. As with many of Picasso’s works, the figure is rendered with abstract and geometric elements while preserving an unmistakable human form. The colors used are somewhat muted, with variations of blues and earth tones predominating the palette. Hints of green and white accentuate the figure’s contours and features. The background appears understated, which allows the subject to command the viewer’s focus. The woman’s pose is relaxed and introspective, with her hand thoughtfully placed upon her cheek, suggesting a moment of contemplation or repose.
Picasso’s mastery of form and his unique interpretative style is evident in the way the figure is simultaneously fragmented and unified, a hallmark of his exploration into Cubism, which intersected with his expressive work. The abstract depiction invites viewers to decipher emotion and thought through the posture and facial expression of the figure, despite or because of, the unconventional representation of the human form.