Francis Picabia was born to a French mother and a Spanish father. As did other European artists who fled from the First World War, he took refuge in Barcelona which unexpectedly became one the European capitals of avant-garde art.

Among the epicenters of this artistic environment was Galeries Dalmau where Picabia exhibited a series of works in 1922, representing a turning point for his career. Along with the machines and abstract compositions, the human figure appeared in works depicting Spanish motifs such as Woman with Hairdress. The woman’s elegance and restraint are expressed at the margins of clichés relating to Spanish flamenco culture.

Picabia used a delicate drawing style and soft colors to highlight the fascinating beauty of the model’s eyes. In a poetic analogy her irises mirror her earrings (her eyes like turquoises), while the flower on her headdress corresponds with the flowers on her shawl (nature versus artifice). A chain with pale green ornaments enhances the whiteness and slenderness of her neck.