1908 Vase de fleurs, verre de vin, et cuillКre Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a still life arrangement set against a muted, grey-green backdrop. A vase filled with flowers occupies the central position, its form simplified and rendered in broad strokes of green and grey. The blooms themselves are not meticulously detailed; instead, they appear as abstracted shapes – whites, oranges, and yellows punctuate the predominantly cool palette. Leaves cascade around the vase, their forms echoing the angularity of the vessel.
To the left of the floral arrangement sits a wine glass, its stem elongated and slightly distorted. The transparency of the glass is suggested through subtle tonal variations rather than precise rendering. A spoon rests near the base of the glass, also treated with simplified shapes and limited detail.
The objects are placed on a table or surface that exhibits a warm, ochre tone. This area is defined by broad planes of color, creating a sense of depth without relying on traditional perspective techniques. The tabletop’s surface appears uneven, adding to the overall feeling of an unrefined, almost provisional arrangement.
The paintings subdued color scheme and flattened forms contribute to a contemplative atmosphere. There is a deliberate avoidance of illusionistic space; objects are presented as discrete entities rather than integrated into a convincing environment. This approach suggests a focus on form and structure over representational accuracy.
Subtly, the presence of wine alongside flowers hints at themes of pleasure and transience – the fleeting nature of beauty and enjoyment. The spoon’s inclusion introduces an element of domesticity, grounding the scene in everyday life while simultaneously distancing it through the paintings formal qualities. The overall effect is one of quiet observation, inviting a prolonged engagement with the simplified forms and muted colors.