Seated man with his arms crossed 1915

Here we see Pablo Picasso’s sketch of a seated man with his arms crossed, a study in line and form. The figure is constructed with bold, angular lines forming geometric shapes, predominantly rectangles and cylinders. These shapes coalesce into a human figure seated in a chair, capturing the essence of the subject through abstraction. Picasso’s use of line is particularly striking. Bold, dark lines define the contours of the figure, while lighter, gestural lines suggest movement and depth. This approach aligns with the Cubist exploration of breaking down objects into geometric forms and representing them from multiple viewpoints simultaneously. Picasso challenges the viewer to piece together the fragmented forms into a coherent image. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the structural elements of the composition. The interplay of positive and negative space creates a dynamic tension, inviting contemplation on the relationship between form and void. This work represents Picasso's engagement with the fundamental principles of representation, inviting us to reconsider how we perceive and interpret the world around us through art.