In this linocut masterpiece, Buste de Femme d'après Cranach le Jeune (Bust of a Woman After Cranach the Younger), stands as a testament to the artist's profound capacity to reimagine and revitalize existing works of art, infusing them with his distinctive style and vision.

Before embarking on the creation of Buste de Femme, Picasso meticulously prepared a preliminary linocut based on a postcard depicting Cranach's original painting. This initial endeavor closely adhered to Cranach's composition, portraying the young woman in a three-quarter profile. Yet, Picasso found this approach somewhat confining, prompting him to discard it the following day in favor of a more spontaneous and liberated interpretation.

In the final linocut iteration, Picasso approached the subject matter with newfound freedom, skillfully adapting Cranach's composition to suit his creative impulses. The result is a tour de force of printmaking, characterized by fluid linocut gouge strokes and the meticulous overprinting of vivid, flat colors from five distinct blocks. Through this process, Picasso amplified what he had described as the painting's "internal rhymes," seamlessly merging shadows with the contours of the woman's attire and surroundings.

Picasso's transformative approach is further evident in his playful distortion of the woman's features, creating a dynamic tension between front-facing and profile views. This intentional ambiguity enhances the composition's depth and complexity, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels. Moreover, by flattening the pictorial space and employing rhythmic patterns, Picasso injects a sense of exuberance and vitality into the linocut, transcending the confines of traditional representation.

The present impression of Buste de Femme is distinguished by the vibrancy and freshness of its colors, as well as the palpable energy of the printed surface. It serves as a testament to Picasso's enduring legacy as a pioneering figure in modern art, whose innovative spirit continues to inspire generations of artists and art enthusiasts alike.