1914 Restaurant Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented view of what appears to be a restaurant scene, rendered in a style characterized by fractured planes and overlapping elements. A dark background dominates, creating a sense of enclosure and emphasizing the objects positioned within it. The artist employed a limited palette primarily consisting of browns, blacks, grays, and touches of red, contributing to an overall somber and unsettling atmosphere.
Several textual components are integrated into the visual field. Prominently displayed across the upper portion is the word RESTAURANT, rendered in bold, blocky letters that seem to jut out from the background. Beneath this, a sequence of numbers – “13” – appears, followed by another fragment of text, VIN (French for wine). Lower down, the phrase DEJEUNER DINER is presented, suggesting both lunch and dinner services. These textual elements are not organically integrated; instead, they appear as separate, almost intrusive components, disrupting any sense of spatial coherence.
The objects within the scene are similarly disjointed. A circular form, likely representing a table or platter, sits centrally, partially obscured by other elements. Around it are scattered what seem to be utensils and serving implements – forks, knives, and possibly wine glasses – depicted with sharp, angular lines. A small sign bearing the words Prix Menu Tarde is visible on one of these objects, indicating pricing information for a late menu.
The overall effect is not that of a straightforward depiction of a restaurant but rather an exploration of memory, fragmentation, and perhaps even disillusionment. The disjointed nature of the elements suggests a disrupted or traumatic experience, where familiar aspects of everyday life are rendered alien and unsettling. The limited color range reinforces this sense of unease, while the textual fragments hint at a loss of meaning or communication. It is possible to interpret the work as an expression of societal anxieties or a commentary on the breakdown of order and stability.