Head of a Girl 1947

This is Picasso’s ‘Head of a Girl’, it's a quick drawing with ink on paper. The first thing that strikes me is how immediate it feels; the ink is so fluid. Looking closely, I can see the energy of Picasso’s hand in each stroke. The way he builds up the girl’s hair with these bold, almost aggressive, marks. It’s raw, it’s direct, and that’s what makes it so alive. The ink is mostly opaque, but there are hints of transparency, especially in the face. It reminds me of a photograph being developed, it’s not about perfection. Picasso isn’t trying to hide the process. The girl's expression is subtle and quiet. I see this drawing as a reminder that art is about capturing a moment, an impression, rather than striving for some kind of flawless representation. He shares this directness with Manet, also unafraid of making mistakes on the way to the final image.