The artwork titled “Portrait of Jaime Sabartes (The Bock)” is a creation by the celebrated artist Pablo Picasso, dated to the year 1901. Executed during the period associated with Expressionism, this portrait measures 82 by 66 centimeters and captures the figure of Jaime Sabartes, a close friend of Picasso’s. The genre of the artwork is classified as a portrait, a form that allows for the psychological exploration of the individual depicted.
The artwork shows a male figure leaning on his right arm, which is rested on a table, while his hand appears to be touching a large glass or stein. He gazes off to the left, lost in thought, with an introspective or perhaps melancholic expression. The use of color is limited, with a dominance of blues and greens, imbuing the portrayal with a somber mood, characteristic of Picasso’s Blue Period. The brushwork is expressive, highlighting the emotional resonance rather than the meticulous detail. The figure is dressed in a dark coat, suggesting a cool or indoor setting, and there is a stark contrast between the warm tones of the subject’s flesh and the cooler background, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject’s face and hand. The background is minimalist and does not provide a distinct context, which places the full weight of the narrative on the subject’s expression and posture.
