The artwork titled “Advertisement for the tavern ‘Four Cats'” was created by the illustrious artist Pablo Picasso in 1897. Embedded in the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement, this piece serves as an advertisement for the famed Barcelona tavern “Four Cats” (Quatre Gats in Catalan). The genre of the artwork is commercial, specifically designed to attract patrons to the establishment known for being a hub of intellectual and artistic activity during its time.
Analyzing the composition of the artwork, one observes two primary sections. The left side displays a stark and arresting portrait of a man against a mustard yellow background, with the text “Cervecería-Café Restaurant Quatre Gats Barcelona” atop and “Pere Romeu fundador propietari” along the bottom. Notably, the strapping figure depicted in a clear, frontal posture is Pere Romeu, who was the charismatic owner of the establishment. The use of a monochromatic scheme for the figure, contrasted with the vibrant yellow, creates a bold and compelling visual draw, which, despite its simplicity, encapsulates the viewer’s gaze.
On the right side of the advertisement, a vivid and bustling tavern scene unfolds. The illustration is replete with patrons engaging in leisurely activities, pointing to the lively and convivial atmosphere of the “Four Cats.” In the foreground stands a robust figure with an arresting pose, seemingly indicative of the bohemian and avant-garde clientele the tavern attracted. The color palette here is more varied and playful, featuring pastel hues that complement the red brickwork of the tavern façade, inviting onlookers to step into the warm, artistic milieu of the establishment. The inclusion of the sign “4CATS” directly ties back to the tavern’s iconic name and branding.
This early work from Picasso already hints at his capacity to distill complex ideas into compelling visual forms. Despite its commercial intention, the artwork holds intrinsic artistic value, capturing a slice of Barcelona’s cultural vibrancy at the cusp of the 20th century.
