Created in 1902 by the artist Pablo Picasso, the artwork titled “Head of dead woman” is an expressive piece reflective of the Expressionism movement. It is a portrait executed in oil on canvas, measuring 44.5 x 34.1 cm. The artwork exemplifies an early period of the artist’s work, often associated with themes of mourning and anguish.
The artwork presents a visage of a deceased woman, depicted with somber and muted tones, primarily in shades of blue and green. Picasso’s brushwork contours the shapes of the woman’s features and the drapery surrounding her with gentle curves, giving form to her serene and lifeless expression. The artwork conveys a profound sense of melancholy and stillness, befitting the subject it portrays. The restrained palette is characteristic of Picasso’s Blue Period, a time when he grappled with themes of poverty, isolation, and despair. The facial features, though simplified, communicate an intimate portrayal, one that relays the finality of life with a quiet intensity. The subtle interplay between light and shadow, alongside the use of expressive line and form, showcases Picasso’s ability to evoke powerful emotions through his work.