1914 Pipe, verre, as de trКfle, bouteille de Bass, guitare, dВ (Ma Jolie) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a fractured and fragmented style. A guitar dominates the central space, its form deconstructed into angular planes and overlapping shapes. The instruments curves are disrupted by sharp lines and abrupt transitions, suggesting a sense of instability or disintegration. Adjacent to the guitar, a bottle bearing the inscription Bass is visible, alongside what appears to be a glass pipe and a playing card adorned with floral motifs. A cluster of dice rests near the bottom edge, adding an element of chance and playfulness to the scene.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – browns, ochres, and greens – interspersed with touches of blue and white. The application of paint appears deliberate, with visible brushstrokes contributing to the overall textural complexity. A band of parallel lines runs horizontally across the upper portion of the canvas, creating a visual barrier or frame that separates the objects from the background. Above this line, the word Ma Jolie is inscribed in bold lettering.
The arrangement seems less concerned with realistic representation and more focused on exploring the formal qualities of shape, color, and texture. The fragmentation of forms suggests a disruption of traditional perspective and spatial relationships. The inclusion of everyday objects – a guitar, beer bottle, playing cards, dice – hints at themes of leisure, entertainment, and perhaps even fleeting moments of pleasure.
The inscription Ma Jolie, which translates to “My Pretty Girl,” introduces an element of personal sentimentality or romantic association. However, the fractured nature of the composition prevents a straightforward interpretation; it suggests that this sentiment is itself fragmented or obscured by the passage of time or some underlying emotional complexity. The overall effect is one of melancholy and quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to piece together their own narrative from the scattered fragments presented before them.