1913 Bouteille de Bass, clarinette, guitare, violon, journal, as de trКfle * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a fragmented view of everyday objects and textual elements arranged within a predominantly geometric framework. The artist has deconstructed recognizable forms, presenting them as fractured planes and intersecting lines. A central element appears to be the suggestion of a bottle – its shape implied through angular blocks of color, primarily ochre and brown, with the word BASS prominently displayed across its surface in red lettering.
The surrounding space is populated by what seem to be musical instruments: a violin’s form is hinted at through curved lines and dark shading, while other shapes suggest a guitar or clarinet. A newspaper fragment, discernible from the scattered letters and printed texture, adds another layer of cultural reference. The inclusion of a clover leaf motif introduces an element of chance or luck into this still life.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by muted earth tones – grays, browns, creams – punctuated by the vibrant red of the lettering. This limited range contributes to a sense of visual unity despite the chaotic arrangement of forms. The application of paint appears varied; some areas are thinly washed with translucent layers, while others exhibit thicker impasto, creating textural contrasts that further disrupt any illusion of depth or perspective.
The subtexts embedded within this work seem to revolve around themes of modernity and fragmentation. The deliberate dismantling of recognizable objects suggests a questioning of traditional representation and an embrace of the complexities of contemporary life. The inclusion of musical instruments and printed text points towards a cultural milieu – a world saturated with media, performance, and consumer goods. The overall effect is one of dynamic instability; the viewer’s eye is constantly drawn to different areas of the canvas, never settling on a single focal point. This visual restlessness mirrors the perceived disorientation and rapid change characteristic of the early 20th century.