1960 Le ragoЦt de poissons Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a still life arranged on what appears to be a tabletop surface, likely indoors given the implied window backdrop. A central element is a pile of fish, rendered in a fragmented and abstracted style. The fish are not depicted realistically; instead, their forms are broken down into angular planes and simplified shapes, creating an almost sculptural arrangement. Their coloration is limited primarily to shades of gray, black, and white, with subtle hints of ochre suggesting underlying tones.
To the left of the fish, a bulbous form, likely an onion or similar root vegetable, sits alongside what seems to be a collection of bones – perhaps remnants from a previous meal. These elements contribute to a sense of decay and consumption. To the right, a bowl containing indistinct objects is partially visible, adding further depth to the scene.
The background consists of a window with a view onto an exterior space. The foliage outside is suggested through broad strokes of green paint, lacking detail but conveying a sense of natural light filtering into the room. A vertical element on either side – possibly curtain rods or architectural supports – frames the composition and reinforces the feeling of enclosure.
The artist’s use of perspective is unconventional; objects are presented from multiple viewpoints simultaneously, flattening the pictorial space and challenging traditional notions of depth. The brushwork appears deliberate and textured, contributing to a sense of immediacy and physicality.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of mortality and sustenance. The fish, as a source of food, are depicted in a state of disarray, hinting at their transformation from living creatures to consumable objects. The presence of bones reinforces this notion of consumption and the cyclical nature of life and death. The limited color palette and fragmented forms contribute to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the transient nature of existence and the relationship between humans and the natural world.