Françoise Gilot's femininity, subtle but powerful, is the outstanding feature of her painting. Both she and Picasso were no strangers to extremes in their tempestuous relationship. An intense emotional duality becomes evident in ‘The Road to the Landscape’. The green of the right cheek, its softly falling, quietly flowing, light-hearted lines suggest a kind of sadness and quiet pain that emerges from deep within. In Gilot's work we can observe a strong, geometric construction where softened shapes point to a more intimate essence, clarifying a message to be conveyed. On the left side of the face, the lines are more pronounced, defined and angular. From the shadow of the hat, a gaze emerges that challenges the future, overcomes the battle against life's obstacles. Behind the abstract style, there is a vitality. The self-portrait is a culmination of more than seventy years of work - the walk of a strong woman towards complete independence.