1912 Bouteille de Pernod et verre Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented still life, dominated by a guitar and a bottle, set against a backdrop of abstracted signage. The artist employs a Cubist approach, dissecting forms into geometric planes and reassembling them in a flattened perspective that denies traditional depth. This fracturing creates a sense of simultaneity, as if multiple viewpoints are presented at once.
The guitar’s form is rendered through interlocking rectangular shapes, its curves suggested rather than explicitly depicted. The bottle, prominently positioned, bears recognizable branding – PERNOD Fils – which immediately introduces an element of commercialism and popular culture into the scene. This detail isnt merely decorative; it anchors the work within a specific social context, likely a Parisian café or entertainment venue.
The background is a chaotic jumble of letters and signs, seemingly plucked from advertising billboards. These fragments are not legible as coherent words but contribute to an overall sense of urban noise and visual overload. The color palette is muted, primarily consisting of browns, yellows, pinks, and grays, which reinforces the feeling of a slightly melancholic or nostalgic atmosphere.
The interplay between the recognizable (the bottle label) and the abstract (the fragmented forms) generates a tension within the work. It suggests a commentary on the pervasive influence of advertising and consumerism in modern life, while simultaneously celebrating the formal possibilities of abstraction. The deconstruction of objects invites viewers to reconsider their perception of reality and the way meaning is constructed through visual representation. Ultimately, the painting captures a fleeting moment – a snapshot of urban existence filtered through an artist’s innovative lens.