Fruit dish 1917

Here we see ‘Fruit Dish’ by Pablo Picasso, an oil on canvas where a bowl overflowing with fruit sits atop a classically styled pedestal. The fruit and pedestal motifs are enduring symbols; think of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance, often depicted with a cornucopia, or the still-life paintings of ancient Rome which served not only as decoration, but reminders of life’s fleeting nature. Even the pedestal conjures images of classical antiquity, echoing the forms of Greek and Roman sculptures. Here, the pedestal is not merely a support but also a symbol of foundation and stability. It reminds us of how classical forms continuously reappear, even in avant-garde art. These symbols—the abundant fruit, the stable pedestal—tap into a collective memory, a shared history of symbols that trigger deep-seated emotional and psychological responses. This work is not merely a depiction of fruit; it is a powerful, subconscious engagement with our cultural past. The symbolism has transformed, yet the echoes remain.