1917 Partition, bouteille de porto, guitare et cartes Е jouer Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a still life arranged in a fragmented and abstracted manner. Here we observe several distinct objects – a guitar, a bottle, playing cards, and what appears to be sheet music or a newspaper – all rendered through the lens of Cubism. The artist has broken down these recognizable forms into geometric planes and facets, reassembling them on the canvas in a way that defies traditional perspective and spatial coherence.
The monochromatic palette, primarily consisting of grayscale tones, contributes to a sense of austerity and intellectual detachment. Light and shadow are employed not to create volume or depth but rather to emphasize the angularity and fractured nature of the forms. The limited color range also lends a certain formality to the arrangement, suggesting an emphasis on conceptual exploration over purely aesthetic concerns.
The bottle, prominently positioned near the center, bears legible lettering – OPORTO – identifying it as port wine. This detail introduces a layer of cultural significance; port wine is often associated with celebration, leisure, and perhaps even decadence. The presence of playing cards further reinforces this association with games of chance and social gatherings. The guitar, an instrument traditionally linked to music and performance, adds another dimension to the scene’s implied narrative.
The sheet music or newspaper fragment, partially obscured by other elements, hints at a broader context – perhaps referencing intellectual pursuits, current events, or artistic inspiration. Its fragmented state mirrors the overall deconstruction of form within the painting itself.
Subtly, theres an underlying tension between order and chaos. While the objects are arranged on what appears to be a flat surface, their disarticulation and overlapping planes create a sense of instability. The sharp angles and fractured forms deny any easy reading or comfortable resolution. This disruption could be interpreted as a reflection of societal upheaval or a questioning of established norms – a visual manifestation of fragmentation and uncertainty.
Ultimately, the painting resists straightforward interpretation. It is not merely a depiction of objects but rather an exploration of perception, representation, and the inherent instability of meaning itself. The artist seems to invite viewers to actively engage with the work, piecing together their own understanding from the scattered fragments presented before them.