The artwork “Portrait of woman in d’hermine pass (Olga)” is a distinguished piece by the eminent artist Pablo Picasso, completed in the year 1923. Utilizing oil on canvas as his medium, Picasso brings forth a work that is steeped in the surrealism movement. The portrait, with dimensions of 61 by 50 centimeters, presents a portrayal deeply rooted in the genre of portraiture, where the figure of a woman is the central subject.
The artwork depicts the profile of a woman rendered in a style that reflects the unique characteristics of Picasso’s approach to portrait painting. The subject’s face is portrayed with a blend of both realistic and abstract elements, a hallmark of Picasso’s distinctive style during this period. Sharp angles and fragmented planes coexist with softer, more naturalistic curves to create the subject’s facial features.
The color palette is somewhat restrained, yet features pops of vibrant colors such as red in the lips and blue for the small flower adornment, which add a dynamic quality to the piece. The woman’s eyes gaze upward, suggesting reflection or contemplation, and the positioning of her hand near her chin reinforces the introspective mood.
This depiction showcases Picasso’s ongoing exploration of form and perspective, pushing the boundaries of traditional portraiture to encapsulate not just the appearance, but the essence of the subject. Through his surrealist lens, Picasso invites viewers to interpret the painting’s layered complexities and to consider the psychological depth of the figure portrayed.
