The Glass by Pablo Picasso, Explained (and Where to See It)

The Glass in a nutshell

Title: The Glass
Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
Artist born in: Málaga, Spain
Date: 1914
Medium: Black and White Photography
Dimensions: 15.9 × 11.4 cm
Where to see it: Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich, Germany
Movement: Cubism
Period: Modern
Subject: man, military uniform, stool, bench, boots, tunic

What is The Glass about?

A Study in Monochrome

A black and white studio portrait from 1914 captures a man in military uniform, presented in a formal, posed stance. The composition is a full-length shot with the subject centered, flanked by a tall, decorative wooden stool on the left and a wooden bench on the right. The monochromatic palette utilizes various shades of gray, black, and white to define the structured tailoring of the tunic, the breeches, and the tall boots. Sharp lines emerge from the vertical slats of the bench and the fabric of the uniform, creating a sense of discipline and authority. The lighting is soft and directional, originating from the front-left to cast gentle shadows across the subject's face and clothing. This technique provides depth and dimension to the figure against a plain, neutral studio backdrop. The perspective remains at eye-level, establishing a direct engagement with the viewer. Every detail, from the texture of the fabric to the wood grain of the furniture, is rendered with clarity.

Formal Composition and Detail

The portrait adheres to the traditions of early 20th-century photography, likely utilizing a large-format camera to achieve a high level of detail. The subject's posture and the arrangement of the furniture suggest a controlled, historical aesthetic. The stillness of the pose and the lack of environmental distraction keep the focus entirely on the individual and the precision of his attire. The work functions as a precise record of form and texture. The interplay between the organic skin of the man and the rigid, manufactured lines of the military uniform creates a tension between the human subject and his formal role. It is a quiet, disciplined observation of a moment frozen in time.

Look for

man military uniform stool bench boots tunic monochrome

Colours

Gray

Mood

Nostalgic

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 9, 2026

Where can I see The Glass in person?

Bavarian State Painting Collections

Munich, Germany

A Legacy of the Bavarian State Painting Collections The Bavarian State Painting Collections, located in Munich, Germany, began its institutional history in 1799 as the Centralgemäldegaleriedirektion. This foundation established a framework for the preservation of European art that continues to define the city's cultural landscape. The collection's origins reach back to the 16th century, with significant holdings dating to the period of William IV (1508-1550).

More about this museum Official website

Also at Bavarian State Painting Collections

The Glass, up close

The Glass by Pablo Picasso, 1914, black and white photography, Bavarian State Painting Collections

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Things people wonder about The Glass

Which museum holds the original "The Glass"?

"The Glass" by Pablo Picasso is on display at the Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich, Germany. The museum listing refers to the original work, not to reproductions.

In what year was "The Glass" by Pablo Picasso created?

"The Glass" by Pablo Picasso was created in 1914.

What technique was used for "The Glass" by Pablo Picasso?

Pablo Picasso used the black and white photography technique for "The Glass". The technique defines the material nature of the original work.

What size is "The Glass" by Pablo Picasso in real life?

The recorded dimensions of "The Glass" by Pablo Picasso are 15.9 x 11.4cm. Reproductions can be ordered in other sizes while keeping the same proportions.

What is "The Glass" about?

"The Glass" by Pablo Picasso depicts: man, military uniform, stool, bench, boots, tunic, monochrome.

Can the image of "The Glass" by Pablo Picasso be freely reproduced?

"The Glass" by Pablo Picasso is still protected by copyright. This status governs how the image of the work may be reproduced.

Which artist is "The Glass" attributed to?

The artist behind "The Glass" is Pablo Picasso. The work is catalogued under Pablo Picasso's name.

Which artistic current is "The Glass" by Pablo Picasso part of?

"The Glass" by Pablo Picasso belongs to the Cubism movement. This movement provides the stylistic context of the work.

What was Pablo Picasso's age when "The Glass" was created?

When "The Glass" was created in 1914, Pablo Picasso - born in 1881 - was 33 years old.

Meet Pablo Picasso

1881–1973, Spain

Pablo Picasso

Early Life, Family and Training In the city of Málaga, Spain, a boy named Pablo Picasso entered the world on October 25, 1881. He was born to María Picasso y López and José Ruiz Blasco, a man who understood the weight of a brush and the discipline of the canvas. From his earliest years, the child displayed a restless pull toward drawing, a talent that seemed to manifest in his very first attempts at speech. His father, a painter himself, recognized the spark in his son and took it upon himself to nurture that budding skill.

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