Image: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
View source →Head of a Woman (Fernande)
Pablo Picasso, 1909
Technical Details
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
40.5 × 23 × 26 cm
Style
Cubism / Sculpture
Decade
1900s
About This Work
This bronze sculpture is one of Picasso's first three-dimensional explorations of Cubist principles. Modeled after his companion Fernande Olivier, the head is fractured into a series of interlocking planes and volumes that simultaneously suggest multiple viewpoints. The surface is deeply worked, with ridges and hollows creating dramatic contrasts of light and shadow that animate the form.
Cast in 1909, this work represents a pivotal moment when Picasso's Cubist experiments in painting began to migrate into three dimensions. It is considered one of the most important sculptures of the 20th century and directly influenced the development of Constructivism and abstract sculpture.
Current Location
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, USA
Public Collection — Open to visitors
Visit museum website →Valuation & Provenance
2026 Estimated Value
$8–15 million (est.)
* Estimates are based on comparable auction results and market analysis. Not a formal appraisal.
Last Known Sale
No public auction record — held in permanent museum collection
Keywords
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Shop Related Products
If you love this african / proto-cubist period masterpiece, explore these curated books and resources on Amazon.
The Cubist Epoch by Douglas Cooper
In-depth analysis of Picasso's Cubist period and innovations
Picasso: A Life Documentary
Comprehensive documentary chronicling Picasso's entire artistic journey
Les Demoiselles d'Avignon Reproduction
High-quality print of this revolutionary proto-Cubist masterpiece
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