Artwork of the week: "Lola, the artist's sister" (1900)

The piece Lola, the artist's sister (1900) portrays Dolores (Lola) Ruiz Picasso, Pablo Picasso's sister, who was one of his regular models in the early years of his career. Picasso's relationship with his family environment and his close models was fundamental in his artistic development until around 1900.

In this portrait, Picasso already shows an extraordinary mastery of drawing technique, using firm, vigorous lines to bring the female figure to life. Lola's penetrating and direct gaze, emerging in shades of blue from the darkness of the background, challenges the viewer and creates a sense of mystery and strength in the work. The piece is part of a series of charcoal portraits that Picasso presented at his first solo exhibition at the Quatre Gats brewery in Barcelona in February 1900.

The influence of the work of Edgar Degas or Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is evident in the depiction of Lola, reflecting the stereotypes of the modern, cosmopolitan woman of the late 19th century. Picasso adopts an approach reminiscent of the charcoal portraits presented by the Catalan painter Ramon Casas, in the Sala Parés, where the full figure of the sitters, friends and acquaintances of the artist, is highlighted.

Sources:

Museu Picasso Barcelona: https://blogmuseupicassobcn.org/es/node/632