1943 CafetiКre 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life rendered in a fractured and fragmented style. Here we observe a collection of objects arranged on a table surface, though the precise nature of these items is obscured by their deconstruction into geometric forms. A central element appears to be a tall, blue structure, possibly a vessel or architectural fragment, dominating the vertical axis. Its sharp angles and truncated form contribute to the overall sense of instability and disorientation.
To its left, a pinkish-red object with an elongated profile is positioned, seemingly tilted at an awkward angle. Beneath this, a cluster of circular forms – likely fruits or pastries – are scattered across the table’s surface, their colors ranging from yellow to brown. To the right, another form rises, displaying a darker hue and a more angular construction.
The background is equally fragmented, composed of vertical lines in varying shades of yellow and white that create a sense of pulsating energy. These lines do not offer depth or perspective; instead, they flatten the space and intensify the feeling of confinement. The color palette is bold and expressive, with strong contrasts between blues, reds, pinks, yellows, and blacks.
The artist’s deliberate distortion of form and spatial relationships suggests a rejection of traditional representational techniques. This approach implies an interest in exploring the subjective experience of perception rather than depicting reality objectively. The disjointed arrangement of objects could be interpreted as reflecting a sense of disruption or upheaval – a visual metaphor for a world undergoing profound change.
The absence of any clear narrative or identifiable figures further contributes to the painting’s enigmatic quality. It resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with its formal elements and contemplate the underlying emotional tone. The work seems less concerned with portraying specific objects than with conveying a feeling – a sense of anxiety, uncertainty, or perhaps even a fractured identity.