The artwork titled “Flowers on the table,” created by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in 1907, is executed in oil on cardboard, measuring 92.7 x 72.4 cm. It belongs to the Cubist movement, and it is a still life genre painting. The formal qualities and artistic approach are reflective of the revolutionary Cubist style that Picasso, along with Georges Braque, pioneered.
In the artwork, we observe a composition that breaks from traditional perspective, a hallmark of Cubism, which seeks to depict subjects from multiple viewpoints simultaneously. The flattened space and fragmented forms reassemble to capture the essence of the still life rather than a realistic representation. Bold and vibrant colors dominate the canvas, contributing to the dynamic spatial organization of the piece.
Geometric shapes and interlocking planes construct the forms that represent the flowers and the table, with contrasting hues and patterns providing depth and rhythm to the work. The background and objects seem to merge, challenging the conventional separation of space and form. The use of light and shadows crafted through color variations creates a sense of movement and tension within the still life.
Picasso’s “Flowers on the table” is a testament to his innovative vision during the Cubist period, pushing the boundaries of how art interprets and portrays the visual world.
