1923 Verre, pain et fromage Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a deliberately fragmented and simplified style. The artist has employed a limited palette dominated by earthy tones – ochre, brown, black – punctuated by stark white and a single vibrant red circle. These colors contribute to a sense of austerity and perhaps even melancholy.
Here we see what appears to be a tin can positioned prominently on the left side. Its cylindrical form is distorted, with an abstracted label featuring a central red disc surrounded by stylized white markings that resemble teeth or waves. This element introduces a degree of unsettling visual complexity; it’s recognizable as a container but its design feels almost menacing.
Adjacent to the can lies what seems to be a loaf of bread, depicted in angular segments and with a similarly flattened perspective. The breads surface is textured with dark markings that suggest crust or perhaps even decay. Its placement next to the can creates an immediate association between sustenance and containment – a commentary on basic needs and their presentation.
The background is largely undefined, consisting of broad strokes of black and grey paint which create a sense of depth but also contribute to the overall feeling of confinement. The lack of detail in the background draws attention to the objects themselves, emphasizing their isolation within the pictorial space.
The brushwork throughout is loose and expressive, with visible traces of the artists hand. This technique reinforces the impression that we are witnessing a subjective interpretation rather than a faithful representation of reality. The overall effect is one of quiet intensity; it’s not celebratory or joyful but rather contemplative, perhaps even hinting at themes of scarcity, industrialization, and the alienation of modern life.