1938 Nature morte Е la pomme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a fragmented and expressive style. A dark background, predominantly black with hints of orange-red along its lower edge, establishes a stark contrast against the objects depicted. These consist primarily of what appears to be fruit – a prominent apple centrally positioned – and a vessel or container of angular design.
The artist employed a limited palette, dominated by shades of green, white, and yellow for the fruit and container, punctuated by touches of blue and purple within the apple’s surface. The application of paint is vigorous; brushstrokes are visible and contribute to a sense of dynamism rather than stillness. Lines are bold and often outline forms in a way that emphasizes their geometric qualities.
The apple itself is not depicted realistically. Its form is distorted, with areas of color suggesting both light and shadow but without adhering to conventional modeling techniques. The vessel, similarly abstracted, appears as a series of intersecting planes, its shape difficult to definitively ascertain. It seems to partially enclose the apple, creating a sense of containment or enclosure.
The arrangement feels deliberately unstable; objects are not grounded in a traditional perspective. This lack of spatial coherence contributes to an overall feeling of tension and unease. The sharp angles and fractured forms suggest a world viewed through a lens of disruption or anxiety.
Subtly, the work conveys a sense of melancholy. The limited color range and the fragmented nature of the objects evoke feelings of loss or displacement. The apple, traditionally a symbol of abundance and knowledge, is presented in a state of decay or fragmentation, hinting at themes of mortality and the fragility of existence. The vessel’s enclosing form might be interpreted as representing restriction or confinement, adding another layer to this somber mood.

The date 30.1.38 appears in the upper right corner, providing a temporal context that may resonate with historical events occurring during that period – a time marked by political instability and impending conflict.