1912 Bec Е gaz et guitare Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented view of figures and objects arranged within a shallow pictorial space. A central element is a guitar, its form deconstructed into geometric planes and rendered in warm ochre tones. The instruments curves are sharply interrupted by angular lines, suggesting a simultaneous presentation of multiple perspectives. To the left of the guitar, a human figure emerges, also broken down into simplified shapes. The face appears as an assemblage of flat surfaces, with a single eye prominently positioned.
A dominant blue form occupies the right side of the canvas. It is rendered in a saturated hue and features vertical striations that create a sense of texture or movement. This shape seems to act as both a screen and a compositional anchor, partially obscuring elements behind it while simultaneously directing the viewers gaze.
The background is equally fractured, composed of interlocking planes and ambiguous forms. A section resembling a mirror appears in the upper portion, reflecting distorted imagery that further complicates spatial relationships. The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing blues, blacks, whites, ochres, and grays, contributing to a sense of austerity and intellectual detachment.
The work seems to explore themes of perception and representation. By dismantling recognizable forms into their constituent parts, the artist challenges conventional notions of perspective and realism. There’s an underlying tension between fragmentation and coherence; while elements are disjointed, they remain interconnected within the overall design. The presence of musical instruments and human figures suggests a contemplation on artistic creation itself – the act of transforming experience into symbolic form. The mirror-like surface introduces a layer of self-reflexivity, hinting at the constructed nature of reality and the role of the artist in shaping it.