The artwork titled “Portrait of Aunt Pepa” is a painting by Pablo Picasso, created in 1896. It is an oil on canvas, measuring 57.5 by 50.5 cm. This early work by Picasso is executed in the Realism art movement, and as the genre suggests, it is a portrait. The artwork is part of the collection at the Museu Picasso in Barcelona, Spain. It exemplifies Picasso’s skill at a young age and his ability to capture the human figure with sensitivity and depth.
The portrait features an elderly woman, presumably Picasso’s aunt Pepa, who is depicted against a dark, moody background. The subject is presented with a somber expression, gazing directly at the viewer. The painting is dominated by dark and earthy tones, which enhance the solemn atmosphere of the piece. The brushstrokes are smooth, and the modeling of the woman’s face is delicate, demonstrating Picasso’s technical skill with realism at that time. Her black attire merges with the dark background, focusing the viewer’s attention on her facial features, which are illuminated with subtle highlights. The artwork captures a moment of introspective depth and portrays the emotional gravitas of the sitter.
