1945 Nature morte Е la pomme Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a stark arrangement of geometric forms against a saturated blue background. A large, circular shape dominates the central space; its deep red hue is punctuated by a vertical section filled with irregular green planes and a sliver of white. This division within the circle suggests an interiority, a fragmentation of wholeness. A dark, curved line traces the lower edge of this form, resembling a mouth or a wound, adding a note of melancholy to the scene.
Below the central shape, a cluster of crescent-shaped forms in pale beige populate the lower portion of the canvas. Their arrangement is seemingly random, yet they contribute to an overall sense of instability and dispersal. They appear as if scattered remnants, echoes of a larger structure or event.
Above the main elements, thin horizontal bands of red and green traverse the upper area. These are rendered in jagged, repetitive patterns that introduce a dynamic tension into the otherwise static composition. The red band is composed of sharp, triangular shapes, while the green one features undulating lines, creating a visual contrast between aggression and fluidity.
The work’s subtexts seem to revolve around themes of disruption and reconstruction. The fractured circle could be interpreted as representing something once complete – a memory, an ideal, or even a physical object – now broken apart. The scattered crescents reinforce this sense of loss and fragmentation. However, the presence of color and form also suggests a potential for renewal; the green planes within the red circle hint at life emerging from destruction, while the geometric patterns above imply an attempt to impose order on chaos.
The deliberate flatness of the composition, achieved through the use of cut paper, further emphasizes these themes. There is no illusionistic depth or perspective; instead, the focus remains firmly on the interplay of shapes and colors within a confined space. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting reflection on the fragility of existence and the enduring power of creation in the face of adversity.