1921 Chien et coq Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The composition presents a fragmented still life arranged around a central figure – a dog – rendered in a fractured and angular style. The artist has employed a palette dominated by muted earth tones – ochre, brown, grey – punctuated by areas of blue and white. These colors contribute to a sense of melancholy and restraint.
Here we see the dog occupying the lower portion of the canvas. Its form is deconstructed into geometric planes, suggesting movement and instability rather than solidity. The head is tilted downwards, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps even sadness. A small red bird, seemingly startled, emerges from behind the canine’s neck, its sharp angles contrasting with the dogs more rounded forms.
Above the dog, a table surface appears to hold a collection of objects: what appear to be fruits or vegetables are arranged in a shallow bowl. The arrangement is similarly fragmented and distorted, denying any sense of naturalism. A vase stands upright on the table, its form simplified into a series of overlapping planes. A vertical element, possibly a curtain or wall, rises along the left edge of the canvas, further dividing the space and reinforcing the feeling of compartmentalization.
The artist’s use of perspective is deliberately skewed; objects are presented from multiple viewpoints simultaneously, creating a sense of disorientation. The overall effect is one of psychological complexity rather than straightforward representation. It suggests an exploration of themes such as loss, memory, or the fragility of existence. The juxtaposition of the dog and bird – symbols often associated with loyalty and freedom respectively – might imply a tension between these concepts. The fragmented nature of the objects could be interpreted as a metaphor for the disintegration of traditional values or the subjective nature of perception itself.