1937 Nature morte Е la bougie Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a still life arranged on a dark, horizontal plane that dominates the lower portion of the canvas. A central candle, rendered in white and surrounded by radiating lines suggesting light or heat, draws immediate attention. The flame itself is stylized, almost resembling an abstracted eye, introducing a subtle element of observation or awareness into the scene.
To the left of the candle, a dark, angular object – possibly a vessel or fragment of furniture – is depicted with sharp, fractured planes. Its form appears deliberately disjointed and unstable, contributing to a sense of fragmentation that pervades the entire work. Adjacent to this is a tall, slender plant contained within a glass vase. The leaves are elongated and pointed, their verticality contrasting with the horizontal emphasis of the table surface.
On the right side stands an ornate teapot or coffee pot, its form similarly distorted through angular simplification. Its reddish-brown hues provide a warm counterpoint to the cooler tones elsewhere in the composition.
The background is divided into two distinct areas. A green section occupies the left portion, while a patterned wall – characterized by vertical stripes and floral motifs – fills the right side. The pattern’s repetition creates a sense of confinement or enclosure, further emphasizing the objects isolation within the space.
The artist’s use of color is notable. While there are areas of warmth (the teapot, hints of yellow in the candle’s glow), the overall palette leans towards muted greens and browns, contributing to a somber mood. The stark contrasts between light and shadow heighten the dramatic effect and emphasize the fragmented nature of the objects.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of decay and disruption. The fractured forms, the stylized flame-eye, and the confined background suggest a world undergoing transformation or disintegration. The still life genre, traditionally associated with stability and permanence, is here destabilized, hinting at underlying anxieties or uncertainties. It’s not merely a depiction of objects; its an exploration of perception and the fragility of order.