The artwork titled “Pedestal” is a creation by Pablo Picasso, dated 1914. This piece exemplifies Synthetic Cubism, a later phase of Cubism pioneered by Picasso and Georges Braque. It is executed in oil on canvas and belongs to the genre of still life. Measuring 130 by 89 centimeters, the painting is housed in the Kunstmuseum Basel in Basel, Switzerland.
In “Pedestal,” one observes the characteristic features of Synthetic Cubism, such as simplified geometric shapes, interplay of figure and space, and a departure from the fragmented forms of Analytic Cubism. The artwork’s composition is an amalgamation of physically overlapping and intersecting planes, with a restrained palette dominated by neutral and earthy tones. Picasso makes use of various textures and patterns to differentiate elements within the still life, which contribute to a tactile sense of materiality.
The artwork converges real-world elements and abstract forms, with the titular ‘pedestal’ perhaps alluded to by the structural components resembling furniture or architectural features. Incorporation of text, as seen with the letters “JOU,” suggests Picasso’s continued experimentation with collaged elements that later became prominent in Synthetic Cubism. These elements add a layer of complexity and offer a puzzle, inviting the viewer to engage with the canvas in deciphering the interwoven objects and forms.
