La Table (The Table) from Saint Matorel

La Table (The Table) from Saint Matorel by Pablo Picasso is a foundational example of early Analytical Cubism realized through the medium of printmaking. Executed between 1910 and 1911, this work is an etching, created for the illustrated book Saint Matorel, which features a suite of four etchings, one of which utilizes drypoint.

This illustrated book print captures the Spanish master Picasso at the peak of his formal experimentation. Unlike earlier, naturalistic drawings, La Table abstracts the subject—a simple table—into a complex lattice of intersecting and overlapping planes, minimizing representational depth in favor of structural analysis. The choice of etching as a medium aligns perfectly with the Cubist ambition, allowing Picasso to prioritize line, tone, and texture over color. The precise, hard-edged lines inherent in the printmaking process facilitate the dissection of form, challenging the viewer to mentally reconstruct the fragmented elements of the composition.

Picasso’s work in graphic arts during the 1910-1911 period demonstrates his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries across various mediums. While the oil paintings of this era are often characterized by subtle modulations of color, this etching provides a stark, linear articulation of the Cubist philosophy. The intricate detail in these early prints established a new vocabulary for the medium and profoundly influenced subsequent generations of graphic artists.

As part of a historically significant illustrated book, this piece holds substantial art historical value. Today, the original print resides within the distinguished collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York. The impact of these early Spanish Cubist works continues to be studied globally, and high-resolution reproductions and studies of these seminal prints are frequently utilized in art education.