The artwork titled “Composition” was created by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in 1946. As an oil on canvas, it measures 195 by 130 centimeters and is representative of both the Cubism and Surrealism art movements. This still life genre piece showcases Picasso’s exploration of fragmented forms and distorted perspective characteristic of his aesthetic during this time.
The artwork depicts a collection of forms and shapes that resemble elements of a still life, fragmented and reassembled in an abstract manner. The palette consists of a range of neutral tones with accents of warmer hues, creating a contrast that adds depth and interest. The composition is dominated by a central figure that appears to be an amalgamation of geometric shapes and curved forms, which might suggest objects such as a pitcher or a guitar, common motifs in Picasso’s work.
Sharp angles intersect with rounded contours, playing with the viewer’s perception and challenging traditional notions of space and form. This juxtaposition of elements is typical of Picasso’s cubist works, where multiple viewpoints are represented simultaneously. The use of light and shadow further complicates the spatial relationships within the painting, making it an exemplary piece of Picasso’s later works, where he often blurred the lines between Cubism and Surrealism.