A Glass of Absinthe" (1914) is a groundbreaking sculptural work by Pablo Picasso, exemplifying his innovative approach to Cubism in three dimensions. This painted bronze sculpture stands as a seminal piece in the development of modern art.
The sculpture depicts an abstracted representation of a glass of absinthe, transforming the familiar object into a fragmented, surreal form. The base resembles a conical glass, decorated with white and red-orange speckles. Above this, the sculpture twists and contorts, suggesting the complex visual effects of the potent absinthe drink.
A flattened, angular shape protrudes from one side, possibly representing the traditional slotted absinthe spoon. Atop the sculpture sits a real silver-plated spoon, adding a ready-made element to the work - a revolutionary concept at the time.
The face-like quality of the sculpture is unmistakable, with an eye-like indentation and protrusions suggesting abstracted facial features. This anthropomorphic quality adds to the disorienting, hallucinatory feel of the piece, mirroring the effects of the infamous "green fairy."
Picasso's use of bronze, painted to mimic the appearance of plaster, further blurs the lines between mediums and reality. The work's distorted form and unexpected materials challenge traditional notions of sculpture and representation.
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