1959 Le buffet Е Vauvenargues * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life arrangement dominated by a substantial piece of furniture – likely a buffet or sideboard – rendered in dark, almost monochromatic tones. The object occupies a central position within the frame and is characterized by its angularity and stylized form. Its surface appears heavily textured, suggesting age and perhaps a degree of decay. A small figure, seemingly a man, is partially visible within the recesses of the furniture’s interior; he holds what might be a ceremonial staff or scepter.
To the right of the buffet stands an animal – a dog with distinctive spotted markings. Its posture conveys a sense of alertness and quiet observation. The dogs elongated neck draws the eye downwards, anchoring the composition and providing a visual counterpoint to the verticality of the furniture.
The background is divided into two distinct zones. Above the buffet, a wash of pale color suggests an indirect light source or perhaps a window. Below, a green expanse serves as a backdrop for a patterned floor – a mosaic of reddish-brown tiles. The stark contrast between the dark furniture and the vibrant green creates a sense of depth and spatial separation.
The work’s subtexts are complex. The presence of the figure within the buffet suggests themes of confinement or hidden narratives. The dog, often symbolic of loyalty and guardianship, might represent a watchful protector or an observer of domestic life. The aged appearance of the furniture hints at history, tradition, and perhaps even loss. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to ponder the stories embedded within these objects and their arrangement. There’s a deliberate flattening of perspective, contributing to a sense of dreamlike unreality rather than straightforward representation.