Created by Pablo Picasso in 1920, the artwork known as “Seated Woman” is a piece rendered in gouache on paper, measuring 55 by 41 centimeters. This work is associated with the Neoclassical movement and depicts a nude figure, categorized under the genre of nude painting (nu). Presently, the painting resides within a private collection.
The artwork showcases a woman depicted in a seated position, exuding the restrained elegance characteristic of Neoclassicism. Unlike the distorted forms of Picasso’s Cubist works, this painting harks back to a more traditional representation, with an emphasis on graceful lines and a palpable sense of volume in the figure. The color palette is relatively subdued, comprising of earthy and neutral tones, which enhances the classical feel of the piece. However, despite the nod to classicism, Picasso’s style is still recognizable in the rendering of the woman’s features and the interplay of shadows, manifesting his unique artistic touch. The woman’s pose, with one arm resting along an unseen vertical element and the other on her knee, drives attention to her thoughtful expression, suggesting an introspective moment captured on canvas. The simplicity of the background focuses the viewer’s gaze entirely on the nuanced form and emotional depth of the seated figure.
