1920 Homme Е la mandoline Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a figure seemingly engaged in musical activity within a defined spatial arrangement. The individual is rendered through fragmented planes and simplified forms, characteristic of a Cubist approach. A dark brown-black background establishes a stark contrast with the ochre and pale blue tones dominating the central subject.
Here we see a man seated, his posture suggested by angular lines and overlapping shapes that define his torso and legs. The left leg is articulated in a curvilinear fashion, contrasting with the sharp angles of the upper body. His head appears as an abstracted block, seemingly detached from the rest of the figure, further emphasizing the deconstruction of traditional representation.
The instrument, presumably a mandolin given the titles implication, is integrated into the composition through geometric shapes and lines that intersect with the man’s form. The artist placed it in such a way that its presence isn’t immediately apparent; rather, it becomes part of the overall fractured structure.
A significant element is the use of color to delineate planes and create depth. The ochre tones suggest warmth and perhaps a sense of interiority, while the pale blue introduces a coolness that disrupts the visual unity. A reddish-brown plane appears behind the figure, acting as a backdrop but also seeming to encroach upon the subject’s space, creating a feeling of confinement or introspection.
The paintings subtexts likely revolve around themes of fragmentation and reconstruction – both visually and potentially psychologically. The disjointed form of the man could symbolize a sense of alienation or displacement, while the musical instrument might represent an attempt at harmony or connection within this fractured reality. The limited palette and flattened perspective contribute to a mood that is both melancholic and contemplative, suggesting a deeper exploration of human experience beyond surface appearances.