The artwork titled “Head of hurdy-gurdy” was created by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in 1905. This portrait is executed in gouache and ink on paper, and is a fine example of the Expressionist movement. With dimensions of 18.5 cm by 12.5 cm, it showcases Picasso’s exploration of form and his ability to evoke emotion through color and line.
The artwork depicts a figure which, consistent with the Expressionist movement, is likely rendered with a degree of stylistic distortion to capture the essence of the character rather than a photorealistic representation. The portrait features a bold application of gouache, with a dominant use of earthy brown tones for the figure contrasted against a backdrop of vivid blue. The line work done with ink suggests the defining features of the figure such as the contour of the head and the facial features. The figure is adorned with what appears to be a hat, loosely defined by the energetic and somewhat abstract brushstrokes.
The composition carries an emotional weight characteristic of Expressionism, where the focus is on the subjective expression of emotional experience rather than physical reality. The colors, the brushwork, and the juxtaposition of the figure against the background all serve to create an emotive impression on the viewer. Through this work, Picasso may be examining themes of human nature, identity, or the psychological state of the subject portrayed. Overall, “Head of hurdy-gurdy” is a testament to Picasso’s innovative approach to portraiture during this period of his artistic career.
