The artwork titled “Head of a Woman” is a portrait rendered in oil on canvas by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in the year 1939. It falls under the Surrealism movement, showcasing Picasso’s distinct style of abstract and distorted forms. Measuring 43 by 29 centimeters, the artwork exists within a private collection. As a portrait, it captures a unique representation of its subject, reflecting the innovative techniques that have so broadly influenced modern art.
In the artwork, Picasso employs a palette of blues, whites, and earthy tones to create a stylized interpretation of the female visage. The face is characterized by a bold use of line and form, with the features of the woman depicted in a fragmented manner serving to dislocate the traditional perspective. Reminiscent of his cubist inclinations, Picasso’s approach to the subject’s profile and frontal view in the same presentation challenges the viewer’s perception and encourages a deeper engagement with the unconventional portrait. The application of paint varies throughout the piece, contributing a sense of depth and dynamism to the otherwise flat canvas surface. This work exemplifies the innovative spirit of Surrealism by embracing the subconscious and the irregular, suggesting a deeper narrative beyond the literal depiction of a woman’s head.
