1969 Fumeur et nature morte Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a complex arrangement of figures and objects rendered in stark black lines on a beige background. A seated figure dominates the right side of the composition; its features are fragmented and stylized, characteristic of a distorted human form. The individual appears to be smoking, with the plume of smoke swirling upwards, obscuring part of their face. The posture is somewhat slumped, conveying an air of introspection or perhaps weariness.
To the left of the figure, a still life arrangement unfolds. A collection of objects – a bottle, a glass, and what seems to be a fruit – are depicted with similar angularity and distortion. These items are not arranged in a conventional manner; instead, they appear almost stacked or jumbled together, contributing to a sense of visual density. The lines defining these forms are often broken and overlapping, creating an effect of instability and ambiguity.
The artist employed a dense network of parallel lines to create texture and volume throughout the drawing. These lines not only define shapes but also contribute to a feeling of confinement or enclosure. There is a deliberate lack of shading; the absence of tonal variation emphasizes the graphic quality of the work, directing attention to the interplay of lines and forms.
The composition feels deliberately disjointed. The figure and still life elements do not appear to relate to one another in any logical way, suggesting a focus on formal relationships rather than narrative coherence. This fragmentation can be interpreted as an exploration of perception and representation – a questioning of how we understand the world through visual signs. The presence of the smoking figure introduces a layer of symbolic complexity; it could represent contemplation, decadence, or even a commentary on societal habits. Ultimately, the drawing resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with its formal qualities and consider the underlying themes of fragmentation and representation.