1943 CafetiКre Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a fractured and fragmented style. A central coffee percolator dominates the scene, its form deconstructed into geometric planes that suggest both solidity and instability. Adjacent to it sits a glass, similarly broken down into facets, reflecting light with sharp, angular highlights. To the left, a bowl or cup echoes these formal qualities, its contours defined by intersecting lines and contrasting shades of blue and grey.
Beneath these objects lies a collection of what appear to be biscuits or small pastries, their rounded forms offering a slight contrast to the predominantly angular shapes above. They are positioned on a table surface that is itself treated as a series of planes, contributing to the overall sense of spatial ambiguity. The background is not depicted realistically; instead, it’s an expanse of muted tones – yellows and greys – that seem to dissolve into one another, further flattening the pictorial space.
The artists use of color is restrained, primarily employing a palette of blues, greys, browns, and creams. This limited range contributes to a somber, almost melancholic atmosphere. The absence of traditional perspective and the deliberate distortion of forms suggest an interest in exploring the underlying structure of objects rather than their superficial appearance.
Subtly, one might interpret this arrangement as reflecting a sense of disruption or displacement. The fractured nature of the objects could symbolize fragmentation – perhaps alluding to societal upheaval or personal turmoil. The muted color scheme and the lack of warmth contribute to an overall feeling of isolation and introspection. While seemingly mundane, the depicted scene carries a weight of unspoken narrative, hinting at a world marked by uncertainty and loss.