1945 CrГne de chКvre, bouteille et bougie Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life rendered in a fractured, geometric style. A skull dominates the right side of the canvas, its form broken down into angular planes and sharply defined edges. The skulls surface is not smooth but appears as a collection of facets, creating an unsettling sense of fragmentation. Its eye sockets are deep and shadowed, contributing to a somber atmosphere.
To the left, a bottle stands upright, also constructed from simplified geometric shapes. It’s positioned at an angle that suggests instability or movement. A candle, depicted with a flickering flame, is placed near the bottle, its light casting stark shadows across the scene. The source of illumination appears to be slightly above and to the right of the objects, creating a dramatic contrast between light and dark areas.
The background is divided into large, flat planes that further emphasize the two-dimensionality of the work. These planes are not rendered realistically; instead, they serve as compositional elements, guiding the viewers eye across the surface. A horizontal plane runs along the top edge, intersected by a series of vertical lines suggesting architectural or structural elements.
The choice of subject matter – a skull alongside everyday objects like a bottle and candle – hints at meditations on mortality and the passage of time. The fractured forms suggest a disruption of reality, perhaps reflecting trauma or loss. The stark monochrome palette reinforces this sense of austerity and solemnity. There is an intentional lack of warmth; the scene feels detached and analytical rather than emotionally expressive in a conventional manner.
The arrangement of objects seems deliberate, creating a visual tension between the fragility of the candle flame and the permanence implied by the skulls presence. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation on themes of existence, decay, and the ephemeral nature of life.