Portrait au cou bleu by Pablo Picasso

Portrait au cou bleu (translated as Portrait with a Blue Collar, originally Tête de femme (Françoise)) is a painting by Pablo Picasso, believed to have been created during the early 20th century. While not as widely known as his Blue Period or Cubist masterpieces, this piece reflects his evolving artistic style. The portrait features a woman with an elongated neck and a striking blue collar, which serves as the focal point. The color palette consists of cool, muted tones, particularly shades of blue and gray, reminiscent of Picasso’s Blue Period. The facial features are slightly distorted, suggesting a transition toward the stylistic experiments that would later define his Cubist works. The brushwork is delicate yet expressive, emphasizing emotion over realism. Like many of Picasso’s portraits, this piece conveys an introspective or melancholic mood. The exaggerated proportions of the subject’s face and neck may symbolize elegance or emotional depth. Additionally, the use of blue tones is often associated with themes of sadness, contemplation, or introspection, which were recurring motifs in Picasso’s early works.