The artwork “Buffet Henry II and armchair with dog” was created by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in 1959. As an embodiment of Picasso’s unique perspective, it captures elements of the Surrealist movement, an art movement known for its unconventional and dream-like imagery. Classified under the genre of interior scenes, the artwork currently resides in a private collection and presents viewers with a glimpse of an interior space as conceptualized by Picasso.
In the artwork, one notices a vibrant depiction of an interior scene that features distorted and abstract elements. At the forefront, a dog is discernible, portrayed with exaggerated spots and stylized lines. The armchair next to the figure of the dog is simplified, with curves and shapes defining its form. Behind the armchair, a structure identifiable as a buffet, possibly the Henry II style referenced in the title, stands. It appears ornate with intricate detailing, contrasting the more simplified forms elsewhere in the piece. The buffet is adorned with objects that, although abstractly rendered, may suggest various dinnerware or decorative items typically found in such furniture. The overall color palette is dominated by dark and vivid hues, with a distinct use of green and red tones. The flooring is depicted with what seems like a tiled pattern, further enhancing the sense of an interior setting. The brushwork exudes a sense of dynamic movement and the composition is layered, with objects and the space around them interacting in a dreamlike manner, characteristic of Surrealist art.
The use of abstract forms and the dream-like atmosphere tie into the Surrealist movement’s exploration of the unconscious mind and reality beyond the physical world. Picasso’s distinct hand is apparent in the playful yet meticulous arrangement of form and color, creating a composition that beckons viewers to delve deeper into the whimsical interior scene before them.
