1919 Nature morte et guitare Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in watercolor, characterized by a fragmented and abstracted approach. A guitar dominates the central space, its form deconstructed into planes of color and angular lines. The instrument is not depicted realistically; instead, it appears as an assemblage of shapes suggesting its presence rather than faithfully representing it.
Adjacent to the guitar, a series of rectangular forms in warm orange hues are positioned, seemingly leaning against or emerging from the background. These shapes lack clear definition, blending into one another and contributing to the overall sense of instability and visual disruption. A cluster of vertical elements, painted in shades of green and brown, rises along the left edge, acting as a partial screen or barrier between the foreground objects and the backdrop.
The background itself is treated with broad washes of blue-green, creating an atmospheric effect that lacks depth or perspective. The lower portion of the composition features a band of reddish-brown, which serves to ground the arrangement while simultaneously adding another layer of visual complexity.
The color palette is restrained but evocative, relying on earthy tones and muted blues to establish a melancholic mood. The application of watercolor lends a transparency and fluidity to the work, further emphasizing its fragmented nature.
Subtextually, the painting appears to explore themes of memory, loss, or the passage of time. The deconstruction of familiar objects – the guitar, traditionally associated with music and joy – suggests a sense of disillusionment or decay. The lack of clear spatial relationships and the ambiguous forms contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty and introspection. It is possible that the artist intended to convey not just what is seen but also the subjective experience of perception itself, highlighting the instability of reality and the limitations of representation.