Woman with a Hat (Femme au Chapeau)

Pablo Picasso’s “Woman with a Hat” (Femme au Chapeau) is an iconic and vibrant example of his Cubist and Surrealist-influenced portraiture, particularly from the late 1930s when his relationship with Dora Maar was a significant influence. This painting features a woman’s head, possibly Dora Maar, rendered with Picasso’s characteristic fragmentation and multiple perspectives. Her face is split into contrasting halves—one side dominated by bright yellow, the other by a striking red—each containing a watchful eye. The large, stylized hat adds a flamboyant element, its geometric shape and bold colors contributing to the overall dynamic composition. The thick black outlines define the forms with an almost stained-glass effect, while areas of blue and green add further visual interest. This work encapsulates Picasso’s ability to depict psychological depth through distortion and vibrant color, creating a powerful and memorable image that remains one of his most recognizable and celebrated portraits. It speaks to the complexity of identity and perception, a recurring theme in his prolific career.