Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso

Being one of the most outstanding paintings of famous artist Pablo Picasso, The Old Guitarist, attracts my attention in a highly specific way. Being a vivid embodiment of Picasso's personal life, The Old Guitarist occurs to be especially interesting because of its deep emotional meaning and the artist's specific approach to its expression. Among the range of elements, which the artist uses in the painting, the most important are discreet monochromatic color spectrum in blue shades and the way of expression, including the musician's figure and his guitar. In fact, all expressional elements have the purpose to highlight specific emotional background of the painting.

Considering the major elements, which distinguish The Old Guitarist among other paintings, it becomes obvious that color spectrum is one of the most important issues. It occurs that the painting is introduced in monochromatic and highly discreet color spectrum. The guitarist's figure and the background of the painting express the shades of blue from mild grey to saturated cobalt color. I can feel the deep grief in the painting due to the cold colors. Also, part of the background is painted in black, which symbolizes death. In fact, the guitar in the musician's hands is the only colored spot, since it is depicted in brown color. Apparently, such gloomy color spectrum highlights a highly melancholic psychological effect, which the painting brings to its viewers. Another important element, which makes melancholy sound especially vivid, is the way the artist depicts the figure of the guitarist. The musician's pose appears to be strained and angular, which highlights two-dimensional perspective and makes the effect of personal tragedy and misery. The guitarist cannot be considered happy and pleased by what he is doing, since his face expresses deep depression and