1920 Guitare et partition sur guВridon Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a fragmented still life arranged within a defined rectangular space. The artist has employed a predominantly geometric vocabulary, breaking down recognizable forms into planes and angular shapes. A central, table-like structure dominates the scene, rendered in white with sharply delineated edges that intersect with surrounding blocks of color. These colors – blues, greens, browns, and grays – are applied in flat, unmodulated areas, contributing to a sense of spatial ambiguity and flattened perspective.
A vertical element, resembling a guitar neck or perhaps a stylized architectural feature, rises from the table’s surface. Adjacent to it sits a rectangular form, pinkish-red in hue, which could be interpreted as a musical score or another abstracted object. A small, circular shape is affixed to its center, drawing the eye and adding a focal point within this geometric arrangement.
To the left of the central table, a smaller, square panel displays a stylized representation of what appears to be a musical instrument – perhaps a lyre or harp – with a circular element positioned above it. The background is similarly divided into blocks of color, creating a sense of depth through overlapping planes rather than traditional perspective cues.
The overall effect is one of deconstruction and reassembly. Familiar objects are reduced to their essential geometric components, challenging the viewers ability to readily identify them. This fragmentation suggests an exploration of perception and representation, questioning the nature of reality itself. The limited color palette reinforces this sense of abstraction, directing attention towards the formal qualities of line, shape, and composition.
Subtly, a feeling of melancholy or quiet contemplation pervades the work. The muted tones and fractured forms evoke a sense of loss or displacement, hinting at an underlying emotional complexity beneath the surface of geometric order. The presence of musical elements – the implied instrument and potential score – suggests themes of creativity, performance, and perhaps even the fragility of artistic expression within a rapidly changing world.