Jacqueline au mouchoir noir is a striking portrait from 1959 in which Pablo Picasso captures his second wife and enduring muse, Jacqueline Roque, with a bold economy of line and form. Rendered in rich black lithographic ink on cream paper, this profile view is a powerful testament to Picasso’s late style - confident, simplified, and emotionally resonant.

Jacqueline is shown in serene profile, her face composed of stylised curves and angular details, bordered by a dotted frame that evokes both intimacy and iconography. Her elongated neck and high forehead recall the elegance of ancient sculpture, while the textured black area representing her hair and headscarf (“mouchoir noir”) contrasts sharply with the clarity of her face. This juxtaposition creates both depth and tension, highlighting Picasso’s mastery in reducing form to essence without losing expressiveness.

Though minimalist in appearance, the portrait conveys deep affection and reverence. Jacqueline was a constant presence during Picasso’s later years, and in this work, her quiet strength and contemplative nature are beautifully preserved. The rhythmic lines of her dress add a gentle sense of movement and texture, grounding the composition in both style and humanity.
Jacqueline au mouchoir noir exemplifies Picasso’s ability to fuse classical portraiture with modern abstraction. It is a tribute not only to a beloved subject but also to the enduring power of line and silhouette in evoking personality, presence, and love.

Printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris in 1959
Published by Galerie Louis Leiris, Paris in 1959