The artwork titled “Self-Portrait” was created by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in the year 1917. This piece is executed in pencil on paper and falls within the genre of self-portrait. The dimensions of the artwork are 64 x 49.5 cm. Although commonly associated with Cubism, in this work, Picasso’s style leans more towards Expressionism, a movement known for its emotional intensity and emphasis on subjective representation.
The artwork features a straightforward yet intimate depiction of the artist. Picasso’s visage is captured in a semi-profile view, with his gaze turned slightly towards the viewer. His facial features are rendered with a series of confident pencil strokes, delineating the contours of his face, the sharp line of the nose, the soft curve of the lips, and the thoughtful look in his eyes. The portrait is marked by a sense of simplicity and restraint, devoid of the complex fragmentation typically seen in his Cubist works. The background remains blank, which brings a stark focus to the subject, namely Picasso himself, illustrating a moment of self-reflection. The economy of line and absence of color in this self-portrait create a raw and direct encounter with the artist, where emotion and psychological depth take precedence over elaborate detail or ornamental aspects.
