1912 Guitare et feuille de musique Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented view of what appears to be a guitar alongside sheet music, rendered in a style characterized by geometric abstraction and multiple perspectives. The artist dismantled recognizable forms into a series of planes and angles, reassembling them on the canvas in a non-illusionistic manner. A warm, ochre background dominates, overlaid with a pattern resembling wallpaper or fabric, which further contributes to the flattening of space.
The guitar itself is not depicted as a whole object but rather as an assemblage of shapes – rectangular, trapezoidal, and curved forms – suggesting its various facets simultaneously. The neck extends diagonally across the canvas, delineated by a vibrant green plane that contrasts with the muted tones of the body. A section of sheet music is visible near the center; the notation itself is partially obscured by the fragmented arrangement, hinting at an interruption or deconstruction of musical expression.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – yellows, browns, and creams – accented by touches of blue, green, and a pale orange in the sheet music section. This limited range contributes to a sense of visual unity despite the complexity of the composition. The application of paint appears deliberate, with visible brushstrokes adding texture and emphasizing the materiality of the work.
Subtly, the patterned background introduces an element of domesticity or interior space, which contrasts sharply with the deconstructed nature of the depicted objects. This juxtaposition might suggest a commentary on the relationship between art and everyday life, or perhaps a questioning of traditional notions of representation. The fragmentation itself could be interpreted as a metaphor for the disruption of established order, reflecting anxieties prevalent in the early 20th century. Ultimately, the work resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with its formal qualities and contemplate the nature of perception and representation.