Picasso"s Weeping Woman

  Have you ever seen a person cry?  I am sure.  Remember how a completely anguished
individual is always moving?  In 1937 Pablo Picasso completed this oil painting that is now in the Tate Gallery in London.  It is one of my favorite Picasso works for I see it as so realistic
and such a great expression of complete sorrow.
  No painting is easy, as anyone who has tried it can testify, but how do you realistically convey a FEELING in paint on canvas?   This is how Picasso accomplished the feat.
   In the background we can see what looks to be a room.  The vertical lines could indicate some panels, the horizontal band 1/3 up trim board at the base of a wall.  The colors are intense, and all six are represented.
    Notice how well dressed the woman is:  An interesting red hat with blue bow; her well groomed hair and her earring suggest she may not be home, or has prepared to be out for the day.
    However the whole point of this painting lies in the mouth, eyes and hands.  Notice her pupils are X's.  And, the whole series of triangles has become a monochromatic rendering.  She is in complete anguish and the color choices have heightened her despair.
   This painting was created in 1937, shortly after Picasso completed his famous work, Guernica, in response to the bombing of the town of Guernica, in Picasso's homeland, Spain.  I feel it is essential to have some knowledge of social and political events when attempting to understand creative works by major artists.   So the question becomes; what has caused her to weep?   It is 1937 Europe.   Is it her personal life or horrible circumstances around her?   Maybe both, but let us celebrate the fact that Picasso has immortalized this all to human emotion that each of us are likely to experience at some point in our lives.
   Let me know what you think?   I would love to read your thoughts.
   Make Art a part of your day, it's a wonderful thing to do.

Comments

  1. charguthJuly 13, 2019 at 6:18 PM

    Such vibrant colors to illustrate grief!. She appears to be beautifully dressed for a public event, but has just heard devastating news. She is shocked and devastated. It is amazing how much drama and emotion he can put into a single moment of agony. It is almost a look of horror. I'm not a fan of the topic but his ability is overwhelming.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Art Expert On LineJuly 16, 2019 at 2:58 PM

    YES, totally agree, his ability is overwhelming! It is fun to read your great comments!

    ReplyDelete

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