Woman with a Cape

early 1901

Woman with a Cape, early 1901. Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973). Oil on canvas; framed: 92.4 x 69.9 x 7.9 cm (36 3/8 x 27 1/2 x 3 1/8 in.); unframed: 73 x 50.2 cm (28 3/4 x 19 3/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. 1958.44 © Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Painted at age 19, Picasso's portrait of an unknown woman is an early example of the artist's interest in portraiture that would endure throughout his career. The woman's enigmatic expression enhances the mystery of her identity. Her fashionable cape and elaborate hat suggest a connection to the cultural scenes in Paris that Picasso was involved with at the turn of the century. This painting is an early example of Picasso’s incredible talent. Painted in Paris when the artist was just 19 years old, this painting may have been exhibited by the art dealer Ambroise Vollard in 1901 under the title Jeanneton.