1945 Poireaux, crГne et pichet 1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life rendered in a fractured and fragmented style. A table dominates the foreground, its surface delineated by sharp angles and planes that disrupt any sense of conventional perspective. Upon this table are arranged several objects: leeks (poireaux), a skull (crâne), and a pitcher (pichèt). These elements are not depicted realistically; instead, they are broken down into geometric shapes and reassembled in an unconventional manner.

The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – ochres, browns, reds – punctuated by areas of green and blue. The yellow background appears as a flat plane, further emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the work. A section of what seems to be a window or wall is visible behind the table, its surface similarly fragmented and rendered in muted colors.

The skull, centrally positioned, immediately draws attention. Its presence introduces an element of memento mori, a traditional artistic motif reminding viewers of mortality. The leeks, typically associated with sustenance and growth, are juxtaposed against this symbol of death, creating a visual tension between life and decay. The pitcher, seemingly innocuous, contributes to the overall sense of domesticity, albeit one disrupted by the unsettling presence of the skull.

The artist’s choice to deconstruct these objects into geometric forms suggests an interest in exploring their essential structures rather than representing them as they appear in reality. This approach challenges conventional notions of representation and invites viewers to actively engage with the work, piecing together its fragmented elements. The lack of depth and the flattened perspective contribute to a sense of disorientation, further emphasizing the paintings conceptual nature.

Subtly, there’s an implication of loss or trauma. While seemingly a still life, the arrangement feels staged, almost as if these objects have been deliberately placed to convey a specific message – perhaps reflecting on the aftermath of conflict or profound personal experience. The fractured forms and muted colors reinforce this sense of emotional distance and psychological complexity.