1947 Nature morte a la cafetiКre Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

Here we see a still life composition rendered in a fractured, geometric style. The arrangement is built upon a table or surface that dominates the lower portion of the canvas and extends across its width. This plane serves as the foundation for several objects, each presented with a deliberate deconstruction of form.
A large, angular vessel occupies the upper left quadrant. Its interior is suggested by a triangular void filled with muted blue tones, while the exterior facets are delineated with stark black lines. Adjacent to this vessel sits a spherical object, its surface seemingly smooth in contrast to the sharp angles surrounding it. To the right of these elements rises a flag-like form, constructed from angular planes and rendered in shades of blue. The composition’s color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of grays, blacks, whites, and the occasional accent of blue.
The artists approach emphasizes fragmentation and multiple perspectives. Objects are not presented as they would appear to a single viewpoint; instead, we see facets that suggest a rotation or dissection of form. This technique creates a sense of spatial ambiguity, where depth is flattened and traditional perspective is abandoned. The interplay of light and shadow is simplified, contributing to the overall effect of abstraction.
The arrangement feels deliberately staged, almost theatrical. The objects are not casually grouped but rather positioned with an intentionality that suggests a symbolic or narrative purpose. While seemingly mundane – a vessel, a sphere, a flag – their presentation invites contemplation about representation, perception, and the nature of reality itself. The starkness of the composition, coupled with its geometric precision, evokes a sense of intellectual rigor and formal experimentation.