1924 Nature morte Е la mandoline Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a still life constructed from fragmented forms and a restricted palette dominated by greens, blues, reds, and creams. The arrangement defies traditional perspective; objects are flattened and viewed simultaneously from multiple angles. A central element is clearly identifiable as a stringed instrument – likely a mandolin or similar lute – rendered in a circular form with visible sound holes and what appear to be strings depicted through linear markings.
Around this core object, the artist has arranged an assortment of geometric shapes that suggest other elements within a still life setting: a bowl, draped fabric, and perhaps fruit. These forms are not rendered realistically but rather as abstracted planes intersecting one another. The use of collage is evident in the application of different textures and patterns – a wavy line on a red plane, small dots on green surfaces, and stylized floral motifs scattered across blue areas.
The overall effect is one of deconstruction and reassembly. The artist seems less interested in representing objects as they appear to the eye than in exploring their essential forms and relationships within a constructed space. This approach challenges conventional notions of representation and invites viewers to actively participate in piecing together the fragmented elements into a coherent whole.
Subtly, theres an underlying sense of melancholy or quiet contemplation. The muted color scheme and fractured composition contribute to this mood, suggesting a world viewed through a lens of fragmentation and loss. The floral motifs, while decorative, also carry a hint of fragility and transience. The work doesn’t celebrate abundance but rather presents a carefully arranged collection of objects that seem suspended in time, their significance open to interpretation.