1936 Nature morte 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a fractured and abstracted style. A predominantly red-brown form serves as the base upon which other objects are placed. This foundational element occupies a significant portion of the lower half of the canvas, its sharp angles and truncated planes contributing to an overall sense of instability.
Upon this base rests a shallow dish containing what appear to be lemons or similar citrus fruits, their forms simplified into geometric shapes with areas of yellow and pale green. The arrangement is not naturalistic; instead, the objects are presented from multiple viewpoints simultaneously, creating a disorienting effect. A pitcher-like vessel stands adjacent to the dish. Its form is similarly fragmented, with dark purple hues contrasting against lighter grey sections. Delicate floral motifs are suggested along its surface, adding a touch of organic detail amidst the geometric abstraction.
To the left, a rectangular shape, seemingly representing a window or architectural element, is visible. It’s rendered in muted tones and lacks detailed representation, serving more as a compositional device than a realistic depiction. The background itself is largely plain, with subtle gradations suggesting depth but avoiding any specific detail.
The color palette is restrained yet impactful. The dominance of red-brown, yellow, green, and purple creates a visual tension that reinforces the fractured nature of the composition. Light appears to emanate from an unseen source, casting shadows that further emphasize the angularity of the forms.
Subtly, theres a sense of melancholy or introspection conveyed through the deconstruction of familiar objects. The fragmentation suggests a breakdown of perception and representation, hinting at underlying anxieties or uncertainties. While seemingly simple in subject matter, the painting evokes a feeling of displacement and invites contemplation on the nature of reality and how we perceive it. The deliberate distortion of form moves beyond mere depiction towards an exploration of psychological space.