1924 Mandoline et guitare Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a fragmented scene, seemingly depicting two figures engaged with musical instruments. The artist has dismantled conventional perspective and spatial relationships, opting instead for a flattened plane where elements overlap and interpenetrate. A guitar dominates the right side of the canvas; its form is broken down into geometric shapes – triangles, rectangles, and curves – that are reassembled in an unconventional manner. Strings appear as linear segments, while the body of the instrument is rendered with a patchwork of colors and textures.
To the left, what appears to be a second figure, possibly seated, is similarly deconstructed. A reddish-orange form suggests a head or torso, while other shapes imply limbs or clothing. The ambiguity inherent in these forms resists easy identification, contributing to the overall sense of disorientation.
The background is equally fractured and abstract. Angular planes of blue, green, and yellow create a sense of depth, but this depth is undermined by the lack of consistent perspective. A patterned surface, possibly representing a floor or tablecloth, runs along the bottom edge of the canvas, adding another layer of visual complexity. The color palette is relatively restrained, relying on earthy tones punctuated by brighter accents.
The subtexts within this work revolve around themes of perception and representation. By dismantling recognizable forms, the artist challenges the viewers expectations about how reality should be depicted. This approach suggests an interest in exploring the subjective nature of experience and the limitations of visual language. The musical instruments themselves may symbolize harmony or creative expression, but their fragmented presentation implies a disruption or deconstruction of these ideals. There is a sense of melancholy conveyed through the muted colors and the disjointed arrangement of forms; it hints at a world where traditional structures have been dismantled, leaving behind a residue of fractured beauty.