The artwork titled “Woman sitting in an armchair,” created by Pablo Picasso in 1939, is rendered in oil on canvas and measures 92 x 73 cm. As an exemplar of the Surrealist movement, this portrait encapsulates the transformative and imaginative essence that characterizes Picasso’s mature work. Currently, the artwork is held in a private collection, signifying its exclusivity and the high esteem in which Picasso’s works are held.
In the artwork, Picasso deconstructs the female form in a manner that is quintessentially his, employing disjointed shapes and fragmented perspectives that coalesce to depict a woman seated in an armchair. The figure’s face is divided into sections of contrasting colors and patterns, showcasing a notable use of geometric abstraction. One can observe the radical alteration of human features, typical of Picasso’s style, where eyes, nose, and other facial elements are repositioned to challenge traditional representations of form and space.
The background features a sparsely decorated wall with star-like motifs, enhancing the dream-like ambiance of the scene, consistent with Surrealist aims to unlock the creative potential of the unconscious mind. The armchair itself is depicted with rigid, angular lines, providing a stark contrast to the organic forms that define the human silhouette. Utilizing a vibrant and varied palette, Picasso achieves a sense of depth and complexity, further emphasizing the emotional intensity and psychological depth for which his Surrealist-influenced portraits are renowned. Through this composition, Picasso continues to explore the boundaries of visual representation and the interplay between reality and abstraction.
