1914 Homme assis au verre * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents two figures – a man and a woman – seated before a table, rendered in a fragmented, layered style characteristic of early Cubism. The background is dominated by a muted green hue, punctuated with areas of speckled texture that create visual depth without offering clear spatial cues. This flatness contributes to the overall sense of abstraction.
The male figure, positioned centrally and largely defined by black planes, appears rigid and somewhat detached. His face is reduced to simplified geometric forms, his eyes appearing as dark voids within a pale mask-like structure. A blue ribbon or drape flows from his arm, intersecting with other elements in the composition, suggesting movement but also contributing to the visual complexity.
The female figure, situated slightly off-center and to the left, is presented with a lighter palette of creams and whites. Her features are similarly abstracted, though theres a subtle suggestion of a profile view. She seems to be looking towards the man, yet her posture conveys an air of distance or perhaps melancholy.
Between them sits a rectangular panel displaying what appears to be printed text – a newspaper clipping or advertisement – rendered in a faded yellow and brown color scheme. The illegibility of the text is significant; it’s not about conveying specific information but rather acting as a symbolic element, possibly representing communication breakdown, societal noise, or the ephemeral nature of media.
The artist employed collage techniques, evident in the textured paper elements that are integrated into the painted surface. These additions introduce an element of materiality and further disrupt any illusionistic depth. The overall effect is one of disquiet and alienation. The figures seem isolated not only from each other but also from their surroundings.
Subtly layered within the composition are hints of architectural forms – a suggestion of a doorway or window frame – which could be interpreted as symbolic representations of confinement or restricted perspectives. The color palette, while seemingly subdued, contributes to this atmosphere; the green background evokes a sense of stagnation, while the limited range of colors reinforces the feeling of emotional restraint.
The work seems to explore themes of disconnection and the fragmentation of human experience, possibly reflecting the anxieties prevalent in Europe during the years leading up to World War I – a period marked by social upheaval and increasing uncertainty.