1911 Mandoline et verre de Pernod Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented view of recognizable objects, rendered in a monochromatic palette that emphasizes form and structure over coloristic nuance. Here we see a still life arrangement, but one radically disassembled and reassembled according to principles distinct from traditional representation. The artist has broken down the depicted elements – a mandolin, a glass, and other indeterminate forms – into geometric planes and facets. These are then layered and interwoven, creating a sense of simultaneity and multiple perspectives within a single frame.
The spatial relationships are ambiguous; depth is not conveyed through conventional techniques like linear perspective or atmospheric haze. Instead, objects appear to float in an undefined space, overlapping and intersecting without clear distinction between foreground and background. This flattening effect contributes to the overall feeling of disorientation and challenges the viewer’s expectations regarding pictorial coherence.
The presence of what appears to be musical instruments – specifically a mandolin – suggests themes of leisure, entertainment, or perhaps even artistic creation itself. The glass, likely containing Pernod (an anise-flavored liqueur), introduces an element of Parisian café culture and bohemian life. However, the artist does not present these elements in a straightforward manner. They are fractured and distorted, suggesting a deeper exploration of perception and representation beyond mere surface depiction.
The monochromatic scheme reinforces this sense of abstraction. The lack of color eliminates one layer of potential meaning, forcing attention to the interplay of light and shadow across the planes. This creates a starkness that underscores the intellectual rigor behind the work.
Subtly embedded within the geometric structure are traces of recognizable forms – a suggestion of a face in profile, or the curve of a musical instrument’s body. These fleeting glimpses hint at the underlying reality from which the artist has abstracted, adding another layer of complexity to the composition. The overall effect is one of intellectual inquiry and formal experimentation, pushing the boundaries of representational art towards a new visual language.