1908 Bols et cruche Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a muted palette dominated by ochre, brown, and grey tones. Here we see three distinct objects arranged on what appears to be a rectangular plane: a tall vessel, a bowl filled with spherical forms, and a smaller, shallow dish. The vessel is positioned centrally, its form simplified into geometric planes that suggest volume without adhering to realistic representation. Its opening widens considerably towards the top, creating an almost funnel-like shape.
The bowl, situated to the right of the central vessel, holds several rounded objects – likely fruits or spheres – which are similarly abstracted and lack precise detailing. The stem supporting the bowl is slender and elongated, contributing to a sense of instability within the arrangement. A small dish sits at the lower right corner; its form is compact and slightly tilted, adding another layer of visual asymmetry.
The plane upon which these objects rest is not depicted as a continuous surface but rather as a series of overlapping planes, creating an ambiguous spatial relationship between the elements. The background is similarly treated with broad areas of color that lack distinct definition, further flattening the pictorial space and emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the work.
A single lime, rendered in a vibrant green hue, provides a stark contrast to the predominantly earthy tones of the composition. Its placement near the base of the central vessel draws attention to its presence while simultaneously disrupting the overall harmony of the color scheme.
The artist’s approach suggests an interest in deconstructing traditional notions of perspective and representation. The objects are not presented as viewed from a single vantage point, but rather as fragments of forms seen from multiple angles simultaneously. This fragmentation contributes to a sense of ambiguity and invites viewers to actively reconstruct the depicted scene. Subtly, there is a feeling of melancholy conveyed through the subdued color scheme and the somewhat disjointed arrangement of objects; it evokes a quiet introspection rather than celebratory display. The deliberate simplification of form and the flattening of space suggest an exploration of the underlying structures that constitute visual reality.