1920 Guitare et compotier sur une table carrВe Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a still life rendered in a fractured and fragmented style. Here we observe a guitar positioned centrally on what appears to be a square table. The instrument is not depicted realistically; instead, its broken down into geometric planes of varying hues – primarily blues, grays, and muted browns – that overlap and intersect. A bowl or compotier sits adjacent to the guitar, similarly deconstructed into angular forms.
The table itself is suggested through a series of intersecting lines and blocks of color, creating an illusion of depth while simultaneously flattening the pictorial space. The background is divided into distinct planes, with areas of gray and beige contributing to a sense of ambiguity regarding spatial relationships. A border or frame seems to be indicated by dashed lines, further emphasizing the constructed nature of the scene.
The artist’s use of color is restrained, favoring muted tones that contribute to a somber and introspective mood. The limited palette reinforces the emphasis on form and structure over representational accuracy. Theres an intentional lack of shading or modeling, which enhances the two-dimensionality of the work.
Subtly, one might interpret this arrangement as a meditation on perception and representation. The fragmentation suggests a questioning of traditional notions of perspective and realism. The objects are not presented as they appear in everyday life but rather as conceptual constructs, dissected and reassembled according to an internal logic. This approach invites the viewer to actively engage with the work, piecing together the fragmented elements to construct their own understanding of the scene.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, a visual exploration of form, color, and spatial relationships that transcends mere depiction. The deliberate ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations, making it less about what is shown and more about how we perceive and understand the world around us.