The artwork entitled “Female nude with her arms raised” is a creation of the esteemed artist Pablo Picasso, who is renowned for his significant contributions to the world of art. Crafted circa 1907, the artwork belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, a genre which typically embodies a simplistic and unrefined aesthetic. This particular piece is classified under the nude painting (nu) genre, showcasing the human form in its natural state.
Regarding the portrayal within the artwork, it depicts a female figure standing with her arms raised above her head. The figure is stylized in a manner characteristic of Picasso’s exploration of form and representation, evident in the period leading up to his cubist phase. The subject is rendered with simplified, geometric shapes, and there is a visible emphasis on the contours and linear elements of the body. The use of color is restrained, with the figure primarily in a light hue against a minimalist background, accentuated by vibrant reds that outline her form and highlight her silhouette. The figure’s facial features are depicted with a frontal and profile view simultaneously, another hallmark of Picasso’s unique approach to capturing different perspectives within a single frame.
This piece reflects a moment in Picasso’s career wherein he was deeply influenced by African and Iberian sculpture, which influenced the stylization of the body and the abstraction of the human form evident in this work. As one observes the artwork, one may sense the artist’s intent to communicate more than just the physicality of the subject, delving into the more profound expression of the human spirit and form.
