"Are we to paint what's on the face, what's inside the face, or what's behind it?"

This quote by Pablo Picasso is a thought-provoking question that motivates us to think about the intricacies of portraiture. It suggests that there is more to a portrait than simply what shows up on the surface. It indicates that there is a deeper meaning to be discovered in the painting of a face, which we ought to aim to catch the inner emotions and thoughts of the topic. By asking us to consider what is on the face, what is inside the face, and what lags it, Picasso is encouraging us to look beyond the physical features of a person and to explore the psychological and psychological elements of the picture. He is recommending that a portrait needs to be more than just a representation of a person's physical appearance, however need to also record the essence of the person.