The artwork titled “Bottle of Vieux Marc, Glass, and Newspaper” was created by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in 1913. This piece, a collage with ink on paper, is a quintessential example of Synthetic Cubism, an art movement that Picasso was instrumental in developing. The artwork measures 46.7 cm by 62.5 cm and fits within the genre of still life. It is currently housed at the Tate Modern in London, UK, where it remains a significant testament to Picasso’s innovative approach to visual representation.
The artwork depicts a collection of fragmented and overlaid elements which together suggest objects related to the title. Various pieces of paper, including newsprint and wallpaper, are collaged onto the surface, creating a complex interplay of textures and typographies. The presence of the word “FIGARO” is prominently visible, indicating a reference to the French newspaper. The use of ink drawing adds linear details that further fragment the composition, breaking down the forms into abstract shapes. Elements suggesting the curvature of bottles and glasses emerge from this assembly, prompting viewers to piece together the table setting depicted in the work through visual cues and the layering of materials. Picasso’s decision to merge real-world elements with drawn lines blurs the distinction between the depicted subjects and the artistic materials, embodying the ethos of Synthetic Cubism through its constructed and multifaceted nature.
