Still lifes were one of the Cubists’ favourite subject matters. Picasso returns to the subject here, including in this piece a likeness of one of his “Tête de femme” sculptures produced at Boisgeloup. Bringing together palette and sculpture, this piece is reminiscent of 17^th century trompe-l’œils, in which painters would often include bric-à-brac from their studio. The wide brushstrokes, unfinished appearance and chair in the foreground point to a modernist approach to painting influenced by the Impressionists. The painting seems to exist in a world in which the usual laws of physics do not apply, where the second and third dimensions are not clearly distinguished and perspective is confused. The tablecloth, for example, seems to be flowing out towards the viewer in a nod to Cézanne. “A teacher of us all!” as Picasso referred to him.  

© Succession Picasso  2017
Localisation : Paris, musée Picasso
Photo © RMN-Grand Palais (musée Picasso de Paris) / Jean-Gilles Berizzi