The artwork titled “Gertrude Stein” is a notable creation by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, completed in the year 1906. Painted using oil on canvas, the piece is a fine example of the Expressionism movement, which is evident in its stylized representation and emotional resonance. The portrait measures 39 3/8 inches by 32 inches (100 x 81.3 cm) and depicts the literary figure Gertrude Stein. This artwork is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art located in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork presents a portrait of Gertrude Stein, an influential writer and an important figure in modernist literature known for her literary salon in Paris which was frequented by many artists and writers, including Picasso. In this expressionist depiction, Stein is seated in a brownish-amber hued room, with a focus on her face and upper body. Her expression is serious and contemplative, and Picasso has rendered her features with a degree of abstraction, characteristic of his evolving style during this period.
The faceted planes and the subtle, muted palette in the artwork foretell Picasso’s imminent shift towards Cubism, evident through the heightened sense of structure in Stein’s face and hands. Her pose suggests a sense of solidity and permanence, as she appears firmly anchored in her surroundings. The background features a curvilinear shape that may represent the upper part of a chair, providing a simple yet effective contrast to the solid figure. Overall, the artwork is a striking composition that captures the essence of Stein’s intellectual presence while demonstrating Picasso’s early exploration of form and representation.
