The Pot of Geraniums, 1915, 81x60 cm, Collection S Juan Gris (1887-1927)

The composition presents a still life arranged on what appears to be a wooden table positioned near a window. A potted plant, seemingly geraniums given the foliages shape and color, dominates the upper portion of the scene. The pot itself is rendered in muted tones, contrasting with the vibrant green of the leaves which are depicted through fragmented planes and varying shades.
Below the plant, a collection of objects occupies the table’s surface. A newspaper lies prominently displayed; its title, Le Figaro, is clearly legible across its front page. The texts presence introduces an element of contemporary relevance to the scene, suggesting a connection between domesticity and current events. Several folded pieces of fabric are arranged around the newspaper, their patterns and colors adding visual complexity. These fabrics appear in shades of blue, pink, and brown, with subtle geometric designs that echo the fragmented style employed throughout the painting.
The window behind the table is framed by a dark green structure, which acts as a backdrop to the scene. A circular shape, likely representing the sun or moon, is visible through the window’s opening, casting a soft glow on the objects within the room. The light source seems diffused, contributing to an overall sense of quietude and introspection.
The artists use of color is restrained yet deliberate. Earthy tones – browns, greens, and creams – predominate, punctuated by occasional bursts of pink and blue. The application of paint appears flat and unmodulated, emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the canvas. The objects are not rendered realistically; instead, they are broken down into geometric forms and reassembled in a manner that prioritizes visual structure over mimetic representation.
Subtly, the painting conveys a sense of isolation or contemplation. The presence of Le Figaro might allude to the anxieties and uncertainties of the era – the work was created during World War I – while the domestic setting suggests a retreat from external turmoil into a private sphere. The arrangement of objects on the table feels carefully considered, almost staged, hinting at an underlying narrative or symbolic meaning that remains open to interpretation.