The artwork “Woman with Jewelery” by Pablo Picasso, created in 1901, is an oil painting on cardboard that exemplifies the Post-Impressionism movement. Measuring 67.4 x 52 cm, this portrait genre piece is housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art located in Philadelphia, PA, United States.
The artwork portrays a woman adorned in jewelry, with a strong emphasis on her facial expression and sparkling adornments. Picasso renders the subject with a warmth that emanates from her rouged cheeks and lips, framed by a dark attire that sets off the lightness of her face. Her eyes are shadowed yet engaging, and her smile exudes a sense of contentment and satisfaction.
The background of the scene is a mosaic of vibrant colors, composed of complementary and contrasting hues that seem to vibrate and shimmer behind her. This background treatment adds depth and a lively energy to the composition. The painting features a fascinating blend of color and texture, with the pointillist-like dabbing technique contributing to a sense of heightened vitality and visual interest.
Picasso has masterfully balanced the composition by juxtaposing the detailed rendering of the woman’s jewelry and facial features with the more abstract and dynamic treatment of the background. Notably, this artwork comes from a period in Picasso’s career that predates his more famous Cubist phase, offering a glimpse into the evolution of his artistic journey.
