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Student Artwork Guide

Untitled (49)

Pablo Picasso, 1939

Name Class Date
Pablo Picasso, Untitled (49) (1939). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Pablo Picasso topimpressionists.com/en/artists/pablo-picasso/
Artist’s dates
1881 – 1973
Painted
1939
Medium
Oil On Canvas
Original size
93 x 73 cm
Movement
Cubism Objects broken apart and shown from several viewpoints at once, all flattened onto one surface.
Period
Modern
Artistic style
Naive Art
Influences
Picasso
Notable elements
Crown, sailboat, yellow hues
Subject or theme
Portrait of a woman

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Pablo Picasso died in 1973; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2043. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso

How big is it?

The original measures 93 × 73 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1880
  2. 1890
  3. 1900
  4. 1910
  5. 1920
  6. 1930
  7. 1940
  8. 1950
  9. 1960
  10. 1970

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 92 at death.

Painted when the artist was 58. The artist lived to 92. 812 of the 1098 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) ▲ this work, 1939 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1906 Main working years: 1906–1939 Late works: from 1939

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/pablo-picasso-untitled-49-8XYP28-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Mahogany #cf600d

    Catalogued palette

    • #CF600D
    • #898180
    • #D7BF7B
    • #312B23

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Dark The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Mahogany
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Pablo Picasso over the last twelve months — 106 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 38.6%
    2. 2 United States of America 6.7%
    3. 3 France 4.2%
    4. 4 Italy 4.2%
    5. 5 Germany 3.9%
    6. 6 Spain 3.6%
    7. 7 Brazil 2.4%
    8. 8 Japan 2.3%
    9. 9 India 2.1%
    10. 10 Singapore 1.8%
    11. · 96 other countries 30.2%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Pablo Picasso

    1. 1 Guernica, 1937 11.0%
    2. 2 Three Musicians, 1921 9.6%
    3. 3 The Young Ladies of Avignon, 1907 3.6%
    4. 4 Portrait of Ambroise Vollard, 1910 2.4%
    5. 5 A boy with pipe, 1905 1.6%
    6. 6 Two women running on the beach (The race), 1922 1.2%
    7. 7 Women of Algiers (Version O), 1955 0.7%
    8. 8 Self-Portrait, 1906 0.7%
    9. 9 Guitar player, 1910 0.5%
    10. 10 La Vie (Life), 1903 0.5%
    11. 11 Saltimbanques (The Family of Saltimbanques), 1905 0.5%
    12. 12 Sabartes, 1901 0.5%
    13. 13 Child with dove, 1901 0.5%
    14. 14 Mediterranean Landscape, 1952 0.4%
    15. 15 Friendship, 1908 0.4%
    16. 16 Acrobat and young harlequin, 1905 0.4%
    17. 17 Portrait of Dora Maar, 1937 0.4%
    18. 18 Woman with book, 1932 0.4%
    19. 19 Glass and Bottle of Suze, 1912 0.4%
    20. — Untitled (49), 1939 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 35.7% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 2304 works by this artist, of which 1451 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

    Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso

    A Captivating Portrait of Simplicity: Unpacking Pablo Picasso’s “Untitled (49)”

    Pablo Picasso's "Untitled (49)," painted in 1939, is more than just a portrait; it’s a distilled essence of the artist’s exploration into Naive Art and primitivism. This captivating work, measuring 93 x 73 cm, immediately draws the viewer in with its vibrant palette – dominated by warm yellows and oranges – creating an atmosphere of both intimacy and energetic joy. The central figure, a woman adorned with a simple crown and a delicate flower in her hair, holds a sailboat aloft, a whimsical detail that subtly disrupts the formality of the portrait and hints at a playful spirit. It’s a piece that speaks volumes through its apparent simplicity, revealing layers of artistic intention and historical context.

    The painting's style firmly places it within the realm of Naive Art, a movement characterized by its rejection of academic training and formal techniques. Picasso’s engagement with this style is particularly fascinating, as he wasn’t merely imitating it; rather, he was utilizing its principles – directness, emotional expression, and an uninhibited approach to form – to push the boundaries of his own artistic practice. This isn't a naive imitation, but a deliberate exploration of how art can bypass learned conventions and tap into a more primal, intuitive mode of creation. The lack of meticulous detail, the bold outlines, and the flattened perspective are hallmarks of this style, creating an immediate sense of accessibility and emotional resonance.

    The Roots of Primitivism: Picasso’s Artistic Journey

    Picasso's foray into Naive Art wasn’t a sudden departure but rather a culmination of his lifelong artistic experimentation. His early training under his father, José Ruiz y Blasco, instilled in him a solid foundation in traditional academic painting. However, Picasso quickly recognized the limitations of this approach and began to seek alternative methods of expression. His travels to Spain and Africa during this period profoundly influenced his thinking, exposing him to art forms that prioritized direct emotional communication over technical virtuosity – a key element of primitivism. The influence of Iberian sculpture, particularly its expressive power and simplified forms, is clearly visible in "Untitled (49)." This painting can be seen as part of a broader trajectory within Picasso’s career, moving from the structured realism of his early works to increasingly abstract and emotionally charged explorations.

    Furthermore, Picasso's interest in Naive Art wasn't purely aesthetic; it was also deeply rooted in a desire to challenge established artistic norms and explore new modes of representation. By embracing the techniques of untrained artists, he sought to bypass the constraints of academic tradition and tap into a more authentic form of creative expression. This willingness to experiment and innovate is what ultimately defined Picasso’s legacy as one of the most revolutionary figures in modern art.

    Symbolism and Emotional Resonance

    Beyond its stylistic characteristics, "Untitled (49)" is rich with symbolic meaning. The woman's crown suggests a sense of royalty or elevated status, while the flower in her hair represents beauty, femininity, and perhaps even fleeting joy. The sailboat, held aloft as if floating on air, embodies freedom, aspiration, and a connection to nature. These seemingly simple elements combine to create a portrait that is both visually engaging and emotionally evocative. The warm color palette contributes significantly to this emotional impact, radiating warmth and optimism.

    Interestingly, the painting’s apparent simplicity belies a complex interplay of ideas. Picasso was grappling with questions of identity, representation, and the relationship between art and life during this period. “Untitled (49)” can be interpreted as a meditation on these themes, offering a glimpse into the artist's own inner world.

    A Legacy in Reproduction: Bringing "Untitled (49)" to Your Space

    AllPaintingsStore offers meticulously hand-painted reproductions of Pablo Picasso’s “Untitled (49),” capturing the essence of this iconic work with unparalleled detail and vibrancy. Our artists replicate the painting's distinctive style, color palette, and emotional impact, ensuring that your reproduction is a faithful representation of Picasso’s original vision. Whether you are an art enthusiast, collector, or simply seeking to add a touch of artistic flair to your home or office, our reproductions provide a beautiful and authentic way to experience this masterpiece. Explore the full detail and high-resolution images on AllPaintingsStore to discover the perfect reproduction for your space.

    For more information about Naive Art, Pablo Picasso, or our hand-painted reproductions, please visit AllPaintingsStore.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

    Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Pablo Picasso

    Born in Malaga, Spain

    The boy from Málaga

    A child's first words in Málaga were “piz, piz,” a small attempt at saying pencil. This early pull toward the lead and paper was nurtured by his father, José Ruiz y Blasco, who taught him the basics of figure drawing and oil painting. The boy learned to copy the masters and draw from plaster casts under a disciplined eye. As he grew, the family moved through A Coruña and Barcelona. These years were marked by the quiet weight of loss, particularly the death of his sister, Conchita, from diphtheria when she was only seven. Such shadows would later find their way into the heavy, blue-green tones of his early work.

    By thirteen, he was already taking entrance exams for advanced classes in Barcelona, finishing in a week what took others a month. His hands moved with a precision that even his father noticed, once seeing him paint over an unfinished sketch of a pigeon with such accuracy that the instructor realized the student had surpassed him. He eventually moved to Paris, a city where he would spend much of his adult life, constantly shifting his focus from one way of seeing to another.

    Shifting palettes and fractured forms

    The early twentieth century saw his work move through distinct phases of color and mood. There was the Blue Period, where the canvases were filled with beggars, the blind, and the lonely, rendered in somber shades of blue. This gave way to the Rose Period, a time when pinks, oranges, and reds appeared, often featuring the figures of circus performers like harlequins and acrobats. These years showed a man reacting to his own life and the world around him through the temperature of his palette.

    In 1907, the way he handled space changed fundamentally with Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. Influenced by African masks and Iberian sculpture, he began to break objects into geometric shapes. Alongside Georges Braque, he developed Cubism. This involved two main stages:

    Analytic Cubism: A method of fragmenting objects into muted, geometric pieces as if dissecting the form itself.

    Synthetic Cubism: An approach that brought in collage elements like newspaper clippings and fabric scraps to add texture and new layers.

    A life of constant change

    His work never settled into a single way of being. He explored Neoclassicism with large, monumental figures and later engaged with the imagery of Surrealism, using distorted perspectives to tap into the subconscious. The violence of the Spanish Civil War left its mark on his canvas in 1937 through Guernica. This large oil painting used a stark palette of black, white, and grey to show the suffering of a bombed town, featuring a gored horse, a bull, and screaming women. It remains a heavy, monochromatic response to the chaos of war.

    In his later years, he continued to experiment with ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking. He even created large-scale public works, such as the 1967 steel sculpture in Chicago, which was inspired by the head of his Afghan Hound, Kabul. He died in Mougins, France, leaving behind a massive collection of work that spans over seventy-six years of experimentation.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Untitled (49)

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/pablo-picasso-untitled-49-8XYP28-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Picasso, Pablo. Untitled (49). 1939, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/pablo-picasso-untitled-49-8XYP28-en/
    APA
    Picasso, Pablo (1939). Untitled (49) [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/pablo-picasso-untitled-49-8XYP28-en/
    Chicago
    Pablo Picasso. Untitled (49). 1939. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/pablo-picasso-untitled-49-8XYP28-en/
    Harvard
    Picasso, Pablo (1939) Untitled (49). Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/pablo-picasso-untitled-49-8XYP28-en/

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

    Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: portrait, woman, crown. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Guernica (1937), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Cubism: Objects broken apart and shown from several viewpoints at once, all flattened onto one surface. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

    Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso Part 5 · Look closely

    Art quiz

    Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. What artistic movement is Pablo Picasso’s "Untitled (49)" primarily associated with?

      • A Impressionism
      • B Naive Art / Primitivism
      • C Cubism

    2. 2. The dominant colors in "Untitled (49)" contribute to which of the following effects?

      • A A somber and melancholic atmosphere
      • B A warm and vibrant, eye-catching effect
      • C A muted and understated presentation

    3. 3. What is depicted in the woman’s hand within "Untitled (49) "

      • A A musical instrument
      • B A sailboat
      • C A crown

    4. 4. According to the provided text, what is a key characteristic of Naive Art?

      • A Formal training and technical skill are essential.
      • B It often lacks formal training and embraces simplicity.
      • C It exclusively utilizes classical techniques.

    5. 5. Which of the following best describes Pablo Picasso’s approach to Naive Art, as indicated in the text?

      • A He completely abandoned his previous artistic styles.
      • B He adapted and innovated within different artistic movements.
      • C He solely focused on replicating existing Naive Art works.

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1B · 2B · 3B · 4B · 5B

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

    Untitled (49) — Pablo Picasso Part 6 · Art quiz

    Questions & Answers

    Is "Untitled (49)" by Pablo Picasso recommended as a gift, and for whom?

    "Untitled (49)" by Pablo Picasso is recommended as a gift for birthday, especially for statement. A reproduction of the artwork can be given as a present.

    Which color stands out most in "Untitled (49)"?

    The color that stands out most in "Untitled (49)" is mahogany (#cf600d). The dominant color is useful when matching an artwork to an interior.

    Who is the artist behind "Untitled (49)"?

    "Untitled (49)" is attributed to Pablo Picasso.