1919 La bouteille de Mаlaga Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a still life arranged on a table surface delineated by contrasting planes of red and black. A vibrant green section occupies the upper right corner, acting as both background and framing element. The arrangement is characterized by fragmentation and geometric abstraction, typical of early Cubist approaches.
A guitar dominates the central space. Its form is deconstructed into intersecting planes of grey, white, and black, with a dark band across its body bearing text – “MALAGA” is clearly legible. This inscription introduces an element of personal significance, potentially referencing a place or memory. The instrument’s strings are suggested through linear divisions, while the sound hole appears as a complex arrangement of intersecting lines.
To the right of the guitar sits a plate containing what seems to be a piece of cake or pastry, accompanied by several small objects that could be nuts or dried fruit. This element is rendered with similar fractured planes and simplified forms, though its color palette leans towards warmer yellows and browns. The plate itself is outlined in an elaborate decorative pattern, adding a touch of ornamentation to the otherwise austere arrangement.
A glass, depicted through angular facets, sits near the guitar. Its transparency is suggested by the interplay of light and shadow across its surfaces. A small sphere rests atop the glass, further contributing to the sense of fragmented perspective.
The overall effect is one of deliberate disruption of traditional spatial representation. The artist seems less concerned with depicting objects realistically than with exploring their constituent forms and relationships through a lens of geometric abstraction. The interplay of color – particularly the stark contrast between the red table surface, the green background, and the muted tones of the objects – creates visual tension and directs the viewer’s eye across the composition.
Subtly, theres an underlying sense of melancholy or introspection conveyed through the limited palette and fractured forms. The “MALAGA” inscription hints at a personal narrative, suggesting a longing for a specific place or time. The still life elements themselves – a guitar (often associated with music and emotion), cake (symbolizing celebration or indulgence), and a glass (potentially representing contemplation) – contribute to this atmosphere of quiet reflection.