1938 Nature morte Е linstrument de musique Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a fractured, geometric style. A musical instrument dominates the upper portion of the canvas, its form deconstructed into angular planes of red, blue, and yellow. The instruments strings are suggested by parallel lines, while the body is fragmented and reassembled with an emphasis on sharp edges and contrasting colors.
Below this central element sits a table or surface upon which various objects are arranged. A glass, seemingly empty, stands upright near the left edge. Adjacent to it lie several fruit forms – lemons or possibly other citrus fruits – depicted in simplified shapes and dark hues. These are clustered around what appears to be a plate, its form also abstracted into geometric planes of green and white.
The background is divided into broad areas of color: a pinkish hue on the left and a blue-grey on the right. A diagonal line cuts across the composition, further emphasizing the fractured nature of the scene and creating a sense of spatial ambiguity. The light source seems diffuse, casting shadows that are equally fragmented and stylized.
The work’s subtexts revolve around themes of fragmentation and reconstruction. The deconstruction of both the musical instrument and the surrounding objects suggests a disruption of traditional forms and perceptions. This dismantling could be interpreted as reflecting anxieties or uncertainties prevalent during the period in which it was created, hinting at societal upheaval or a questioning of established norms.
The presence of the musical instrument introduces an element of cultural significance; music, often associated with harmony and order, is here presented in a state of disarray. This juxtaposition might imply a commentary on the fragility of artistic expression or the potential for dissonance within seemingly harmonious structures. The still life elements – fruit, glass, plate – are stripped of their conventional symbolic meanings, becoming mere components in an exercise of formal exploration. Ultimately, the painting conveys a sense of intellectual inquiry and aesthetic experimentation, prioritizing form and structure over representational accuracy.