1925 Guitare Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a fragmented depiction of what appears to be a guitar. The artist employs a stark monochrome palette, primarily utilizing black ink washes against a pale background. Lines are decisive and angular, contributing to a sense of fractured perspective and geometric abstraction.
Here we see the instrument disassembled into its constituent parts, then reassembled in a non-naturalistic manner. The neck extends vertically on the left side, rendered as a series of sharp, parallel lines that suggest both structure and instability. The body is suggested by overlapping planes, creating an illusion of depth while simultaneously flattening the form. A central oval, surrounded by short, vertical strokes, acts as a focal point, possibly representing the sound hole.
The composition lacks spatial coherence; elements are positioned seemingly at random, defying conventional perspective. This deliberate disruption challenges the viewer’s expectation of representational accuracy. The artists signature and date (29 Mars 1925) are inscribed in the lower right corner, adding a layer of personal context to the work.
Subtly, the drawing conveys a sense of melancholy or introspection. The sparseness of the composition and the muted color scheme evoke a feeling of quiet contemplation. The deconstruction of the guitar could be interpreted as a metaphor for fragmentation – perhaps reflecting a psychological state or a commentary on the breakdown of traditional forms in art and society. The instrument, traditionally associated with music and joy, is presented here in a manner that strips it of its usual connotations, suggesting a more complex emotional landscape.