1913 Bouteille de Bass, verre, paquet de tabac, carte de visite Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a fractured and fragmented style. A dark, rectangular form dominates the left side of the canvas; its surface is marked with a prominent circular emblem containing the letter B within it. This shape appears to lean against a cylindrical object, likely a glass or bottle, whose contours are similarly broken down into geometric planes. The vessel’s interior reflects light in a simplified, spherical form.
To the right of the central grouping lies a bundle of what seems to be tobacco leaves, its texture suggested through short, rapid strokes. A rectangular piece of paper, presumably a photograph or calling card, is positioned beneath it, bearing handwritten text that remains largely illegible. The arrangement rests upon a horizontal plane delineated by a thick, dark line which cuts across the lower portion of the canvas.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of browns, greens, and blacks, with touches of white used to highlight certain planes and create a sense of depth. The limited range contributes to a somber, almost melancholic atmosphere.
Beyond the literal depiction of objects, the work seems concerned with exploring perception and representation. The deconstruction of forms suggests an attempt to move beyond traditional notions of perspective and realism. The inclusion of recognizable items – the beer label, the tobacco, the photograph – hints at a connection to everyday life and consumer culture, yet these elements are stripped of their conventional meaning through the artists formal manipulations.
The fragmented nature of the objects could be interpreted as reflecting a sense of disruption or alienation, perhaps mirroring anxieties prevalent in the early twentieth century. The handwritten text on the photograph introduces an element of personal history, suggesting a narrative that remains tantalizingly out of reach. Overall, the painting conveys a feeling of quiet contemplation and invites viewers to actively engage with its complex visual language.