The artwork in question is a still life titled “Still life with candlestick,” created by the esteemed Picasso in 1937. This oil on canvas piece measures 64.8 x 53.3 cm and is currently harbored within a private collection. As a representation of the Surrealist movement, the artwork depicts a composition that is imbued with both traditional still life elements and the transformative touch that characterizes Surrealism.
“Still life with candlestick” showcases a variety of objects arranged on a surface, which is a common motif within the genre of still life. The vibrant color palette and expressive brushwork bridge the gap between reality and imagination, displaying Picasso’s unique artistic vision. The painting captures items such as a candlestick, presumably with a lighted candle in it, given the presence of flames rendered in bright yellow. There are also floral elements, most likely wilting or dried, contained within a vase which adds an organic texture to the composition. A book with discernible pages lies at the forefront, suggesting a scene of interrupted study or contemplation.
The frame within the artwork adds a layer of complexity, drawing one’s attention towards the dimensionality of the space. There is a darkness pervading the canvas, perhaps indicative of the time the artwork was created, with shadows casting over and around the objects, enhancing the depth and creating a sense of the nocturnal. The use of contrasting colors, particularly the intense yellows and darker shades, adds dynamism and emotional intensity to the scene. This piece stands as an example of how Picasso merged elements of his environment with imaginative ones, thereby creating thoroughly engaging and contemplative works of art.
