Portrait of V. Nubiola 1917

Joan Miró painted this striking portrait of V. Nubiola using oil on canvas, and it now resides in the Folkwang Museum. Dominating the scene is the figure himself, pipe in mouth, alongside everyday objects—a bottle, fruit, flowers. Yet, these are not mere still life elements. The pipe, for instance, can be traced back to Dutch Golden Age paintings, signifying leisure and contemplation, a symbol of the intellectual life. But here, it transcends its original context. Consider also the sphere suspended above, reminiscent of celestial globes, yet patterned with chaotic lines. It evokes the cosmic order, but disrupted, mirroring the shifting perspectives of the early 20th century. It is a symbol of cosmic uncertainty, reflecting a world in flux. Such symbols have been reborn, evolving, their original meanings altered, yet retaining a connection to our shared cultural memory. They reappear, transformed, engaging us on a subconscious level, reminding us that history is not linear but a cyclical process of rediscovery and reinterpretation.