1914 Verre, as de trКfle et dВ Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented still life rendered in a muted palette dominated by ochre, grey, and black. Here we see a glass, centrally positioned, deconstructed into geometric planes that suggest both its transparency and solidity simultaneously. The artist has broken down the form, presenting multiple viewpoints within a single frame, characteristic of an analytical approach to representation.
The background is similarly fractured, with what appears to be wallpaper or fabric patterned with stylized floral motifs in shades of orange and brown. These patterns are not depicted realistically but rather as flattened areas of color contributing to the overall sense of spatial ambiguity. The wall itself seems to shift and tilt, further disrupting any conventional perspective.
In the foreground, a sheet of paper rests upon a dark surface, bearing a drawing of what appears to be surgical instruments – a pair of scissors and forceps. This inclusion introduces an element of unsettling precision and clinical detachment into the otherwise domestic scene. To the right of this paper lies a die, its pips rendered with stark clarity against the dark background.
The subtexts within this work are complex and layered. The fragmentation of objects suggests a breakdown of order or stability. The surgical instruments evoke themes of intervention, dissection, and perhaps even violence – hinting at an underlying tension beneath the seemingly mundane arrangement. The die introduces an element of chance, fate, or risk, potentially alluding to unpredictable forces at play.
The overall effect is one of intellectual scrutiny rather than emotional expression. It’s a visual exploration of perception, representation, and the inherent instability of reality itself. The subdued color scheme reinforces this sense of detachment, preventing any sentimental reading of the scene. The work seems less about depicting objects as they appear and more about analyzing their constituent parts and exploring the conceptual framework through which we understand them.