1925 Mandoline, panier de fruit et bras de plГtre Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a fractured and abstracted style. A mandolin dominates the left side of the canvas, its form broken down into geometric planes of yellow ochre, brown, and black. The instruments strings are suggested by thin vertical lines, while the circular sound hole is clearly defined. Adjacent to it, a basket overflowing with fruit occupies a central position. This grouping is similarly deconstructed, with forms overlapping and interpenetrating one another.
A disembodied arm extends from the right side of the canvas, its pale skin delineated by sharp angles and contrasting shades of white and gray. The hand holds a knife, which appears as a stark, angular shape jutting into the space. A partially consumed cigar rests near the wrist, adding an element of languor and perhaps decadence to the scene.
The background is ambiguous, constructed from muted tones of green, blue, and gray that seem to both recede and advance simultaneously. The lack of a clear spatial depth contributes to the overall sense of disorientation and fragmentation.
Beyond the literal depiction of objects, the painting seems to explore themes of perception and representation. The fractured forms challenge conventional notions of perspective and realism, suggesting that reality is not fixed but rather subjective and multifaceted. The inclusion of the arm and cigar introduces a human presence, albeit fragmented and detached, hinting at a narrative or emotional context beyond the purely visual. The knife, while seemingly innocuous in its placement, carries an undertone of potential disruption or threat, adding complexity to the overall mood.
The color palette is restrained but impactful, with warm earth tones contrasting against cooler blues and greens. This interplay creates a sense of tension and dynamism within the composition. Overall, the work conveys a feeling of melancholy and introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate the nature of representation and the complexities of human experience.