1914

Glass of Absinthe

Pablo Ruiz y Picasso

Spanish, 1881 - 1973

The Surrealists celebrated this work—a hybrid of a painted bronze sculpture and an everyday item—for sabotaging the line between art and reality.

In this assemblage Picasso illustrates the correct method for consuming absinthe—a potent but toxic green-colored liquor. Absinthe became popular in Parisian cafés in the decades before and after 1900. Its bitter taste led to the specific serving method shown here: slowly pouring water over a sugar cube resting on a slotted spoon. The sugared water combines with absinthe at the bottom of the glass.