1914 Pipe, verre, journal, guitare, bouteille de vieux marc (Lacerba) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a muted palette dominated by ochre and brown tones, creating a sense of melancholy and decay. Several objects are arranged on a tilted plane that serves as the primary surface for the display. A glass vessel, seemingly empty, occupies a central position, its form simplified to geometric planes. Beside it lies a pipe, angled sharply, suggesting a moment of interruption or abandonment.
A guitar leans against the plane, its body partially obscured by other elements, hinting at silenced music and lost creative energy. To the right, a bottle rests on a small circular base, its label bearing the words Vieux Marc, indicating brandy – a symbol often associated with solace or escape. A newspaper is prominently positioned to the left; the bold title “LACERBA” is clearly visible, along with snippets of text and pricing information. The newspaper’s presence introduces an element of contemporary context, grounding the still life in a specific time period.
The background features a fragmented pattern resembling tiled windows or architectural details, rendered in a similar earthy color scheme. This backdrop doesnt offer depth but rather contributes to the overall flatness and sense of confinement.
Subtextually, the work appears to explore themes of loss, disillusionment, and the fragility of culture. The objects – the pipe, guitar, brandy, newspaper – suggest leisure activities and intellectual pursuits, yet their arrangement implies a disruption or cessation of these pleasures. LACERBA, a literary journal known for its avant-garde stance and association with Italian Futurism, further reinforces this sense of cultural upheaval. The muted colors and the tilted plane contribute to an atmosphere of instability and quiet despair. It is plausible that the work reflects a period marked by social unrest or impending conflict, where traditional comforts and artistic expression are threatened. The overall effect is one of poignant stillness, capturing a moment suspended between past enjoyment and uncertain future.