1905 Arlequin avec enfant Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

Here we observe a drawing executed in charcoal or graphite on paper. The composition centers around a figure dressed as a harlequin, holding a baby aloft. The artist has rendered the harlequin with exaggerated features – elongated limbs, a pointed hat adorned with triangles, and an overall impression of stylized distortion. The child is depicted simply, almost schematically, held high within the frame.
The drawing’s aesthetic leans towards expressive linearity rather than realistic representation. Hatching and cross-hatching are employed to suggest volume and shadow, but the emphasis remains on the dynamic quality of the lines themselves. Theres a deliberate roughness in the execution; details are suggested rather than meticulously defined. This contributes to an atmosphere of immediacy and spontaneity.
The subtexts within this work appear layered. The harlequin figure, traditionally associated with comedy and disguise, is presented here with a certain solemnity. His posture suggests not playful antics but a protective tenderness towards the child he carries. This juxtaposition – the comedic archetype embodying paternal care – introduces an element of unexpected pathos.
The baby’s upward gaze reinforces this sense of vulnerability and dependence. The artist has positioned the infant as a focal point, drawing attention to themes of innocence and responsibility. It is possible to interpret the scene as a commentary on societal roles or perhaps a symbolic representation of artistic creation – the harlequin, as an entertainer, nurturing a new generation of art.
The inscription at the bottom right corner, bearing names and the date 1905, provides contextual information without explicitly defining the subject matter. The presence of these signatures suggests a connection to literary or intellectual circles of the time, hinting that the work may have been intended as more than just a visual representation; it could be a gesture of friendship or an artistic exchange.