1962 Coq sur une chaise sous la lampe Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The composition presents a monochromatic scene dominated by shades of gray and black, creating a stark and somewhat unsettling atmosphere. A chair occupies the central position, its form rendered with angular lines and distorted perspective characteristic of Cubist aesthetics. Perched upon this chair is an animal – likely intended to be a rooster – its features fragmented and reassembled in a manner that defies naturalistic representation.
The artist’s handling of light and shadow contributes significantly to the works mood. A strong, directional light source, presumably emanating from above and slightly to the left, casts deep shadows across the scene, obscuring details and enhancing the sense of confinement. The chair itself appears almost monolithic, its rigid structure contrasting with the more fluid, albeit fragmented, form of the animal.
The background is sparsely detailed, suggesting a room or interior space. A portion of what seems to be a cabinet or wardrobe is visible on the right side, further reinforcing the impression of an enclosed environment. The limited color palette and simplified forms contribute to a sense of isolation and introspection.
Subtextually, the work could be interpreted as exploring themes of confinement, vulnerability, and the disruption of natural order. The rooster’s posture – seemingly hunched or subdued – suggests a state of unease or resignation. Its fragmented form might symbolize a loss of identity or a sense of being broken down. The chair, traditionally associated with rest and stability, here becomes an instrument of constraint.
The overall effect is one of quiet drama, inviting contemplation on the fragility of existence and the potential for disruption within seemingly stable structures. The deliberate distortion of perspective and form challenges conventional notions of representation, prompting a re-evaluation of the relationship between subject and viewer.