1944 Verre et pichet Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life arrangement on what appears to be a table surface. A glass vessel dominates the left side of the frame, its form fractured into geometric planes that suggest multiple viewpoints simultaneously. The transparency of the glass is rendered through varying shades of white and grey, creating an illusion of depth despite the flattened perspective. To the right stands a pitcher, similarly deconstructed into angular shapes using a palette of browns, reds, and creams. Its handle curves in a dynamic arc, adding a sense of movement to the otherwise static scene.
A lemon sits centrally on the table, its circular form providing a visual counterpoint to the sharp angles of the other objects. The background is divided horizontally; above, a muted green suggests an ambiguous space, while below, the table surface is rendered in warm ochre tones. This division reinforces the sense of spatial ambiguity and contributes to the overall flatness of the picture plane.
The artist’s choice of subject matter – ordinary domestic items – is significant. The fragmentation of these objects, however, elevates them beyond mere representation. It suggests a breakdown of traditional perspective and an exploration of form as it exists in multiple dimensions. The limited color palette reinforces this sense of austerity and focuses attention on the interplay of shapes and planes.
Subtly, there’s a feeling of confinement within the composition. The objects are tightly grouped, and the background is compressed, creating a sense of enclosure. This could be interpreted as reflecting the anxieties and limitations experienced during a period marked by conflict and upheaval. While seemingly simple in its subject matter, the work conveys a complex interplay of form, space, and emotion, hinting at underlying psychological or historical resonances.