1914 Verre sur une table Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented still life arranged against a muted grey background. A central, upright form dominates the visual field; it is constructed from interlocking planes and angular shapes rendered in shades of brown, beige, and ochre. This structure appears to be a stylized representation of glass or crystal, though its precise nature remains ambiguous due to the deliberate distortion of perspective and form.
The artist has employed a limited palette, primarily relying on earth tones contrasted against the cool grey backdrop. The application of paint is somewhat rough, with visible brushstrokes contributing to a sense of immediacy and textural complexity. A dark, almost black area occupies the lower right corner, creating a visual anchor and adding depth to the arrangement.
The spatial relationships are deliberately flattened; there’s little indication of traditional depth or recession. The table surface upon which this object rests is suggested through angled lines and planes that intersect with the central form, further complicating any sense of three-dimensionality. A circular element, partially obscured by the larger structure, introduces a subtle dynamism to the composition.
The work seems less concerned with depicting a recognizable object than with exploring the formal qualities of shape, color, and space. The fractured nature of the representation suggests an investigation into how perception is constructed through multiple viewpoints or fragmented experiences. There’s a sense of deconstruction at play, as if the artist is dismantling a familiar subject to reveal its underlying geometric components.
The subdued coloring and angular forms evoke a mood of quiet contemplation, perhaps even melancholy. The absence of any overt narrative elements encourages viewers to engage with the work on a purely formal level, focusing on the interplay of shapes and textures rather than seeking a specific symbolic meaning. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and intellectual rigor.