1943 Vase de fleurs Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around floral elements and glass vessels. Here we observe three blooms – two upright and one fallen – rendered in pale pinks and whites, their forms simplified into rounded shapes with visible brushstrokes suggesting texture. These flowers emerge from a crystalline vase, its structure broken down into geometric facets that refract light and distort the perception of depth. A second, simpler glass form sits adjacent to the primary vessel, echoing its angularity.
The background is dominated by a broad plane of orange-red fabric, which serves as a backdrop for the objects in the foreground. This color choice introduces a sense of warmth and vibrancy that contrasts with the cooler tones of the flowers and glassware. A darker, muted grey wall occupies the upper portion of the canvas, providing a neutral space against which the composition is set. The table surface upon which these items rest appears dark brown or black, contributing to the overall somber mood.
The artist’s handling of perspective is unconventional; objects are presented from multiple viewpoints simultaneously, flattening the pictorial space and challenging traditional notions of realism. This fragmentation creates a sense of dynamism and visual complexity. The lines are bold and decisive, emphasizing the structural elements of each form rather than attempting to create an illusionistic representation.
Subtly, the arrangement evokes themes of fragility and transience. The fallen bloom suggests decay or loss, while the crystalline nature of the vase implies both beauty and inherent instability. The starkness of the composition, combined with the muted color palette, might suggest a sense of melancholy or introspection. Given the date of creation (1943), one could interpret this as a reflection on the anxieties and uncertainties of wartime – a quiet contemplation amidst upheaval. The deliberate distortion of form may also be seen as an attempt to convey an emotional truth rather than a literal depiction of reality.