1958 Vase de fleurs avec papillon devant une fenИtre VI Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a cluster of tall stems and blossoms emerging from a dark base. These stalks are rendered in shades of green, with small yellow flower heads punctuating their height. A butterfly, depicted in vibrant orange and black markings, rests delicately on one of the upper stems. Behind this floral display, a window is suggested through broad strokes of blue, creating an impressionistic backdrop that lacks precise detail. The sill of the window is indicated by horizontal bands of dark gray or black, while the lower portion of the scene features a patterned surface in muted purples and yellows.
The artist’s handling of color is notable; blues dominate the background, contrasting with the warmer tones of the flowers and butterfly. This creates a sense of depth and luminosity. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, prioritizing feeling over precise representation. Lines are not clean or definitive but rather gestural, contributing to an overall impression of spontaneity.
The presence of the butterfly introduces a symbolic layer beyond the purely decorative. It suggests themes of transience, beauty, and perhaps even freedom – a creature briefly pausing within a contained domestic space. The window itself acts as a visual barrier between interiority and exteriority, hinting at a longing for something beyond the immediate environment.
The dated inscription in the upper right corner provides context, anchoring the work to a specific moment in time. It suggests a personal record or reflection rather than a formal declaration of artistic intent. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, capturing a fleeting moment of observation and imbuing it with subtle emotional resonance.