The artwork “Glass on a Table” was created by Pablo Picasso in 1914. It is executed using a mix of mediums including charcoal, collage, oil, and cardboard, which Picasso adeptly combined to bring forth a piece within the realm of Synthetic Cubism. This still life artwork, encompassing dimensions of 21 x 21 cm, is part of a private collection.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a composition that breaks down and reassembles the form of a glass on a table, a hallmark of the synthetic approach to Cubism. Picasso employs a constrained palette and integrates various materials to construct a flattened, yet texturally dynamic scene. Different shades and shapes intersect and overlap, hinting at the three-dimensional form of a glass and other objects on a flat surface, but these are represented in a geometric and fragmented manner, characteristic of Cubist art. The use of collage elements adds a tactile aspect to the piece, inviting the viewer to consider the interplay between the physical materials and the depicted subjects. The signature “Picasso” can be discerned at the bottom right, anchoring the work in the artist’s prolific oeuvre.
