1905 Arlequin Е cheval * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a figure on horseback, rendered in a stark, monochromatic palette. The composition is dominated by verticality; both rider and mount are elongated, contributing to a sense of instability and perhaps even awkwardness. Here we see the rider dressed in what appears to be theatrical attire – a costume suggestive of a harlequin or similar comedic character. The clothing features a high collar and a distinctive hat, further emphasizing the performative nature of the figure.
The horse itself is depicted with simplified forms; its anatomy is suggested rather than meticulously detailed. This reduction contributes to an overall feeling of abstraction, moving beyond straightforward representation towards a more conceptual exploration. The background is minimal – a vague suggestion of landscape rendered in broad strokes – which serves to isolate and highlight the central figures.
The drawing’s subtexts are complex. The pairing of the harlequin figure with a horse evokes themes of power, disguise, and perhaps even absurdity. The riders posture suggests a precarious balance, hinting at an underlying vulnerability despite the outward appearance of control. There is a sense of detachment; the rider seems distant, almost observing rather than actively engaged in the act of riding.
The sketch’s unfinished quality – the visible strokes and lack of detailed shading – suggests it may be a study or preparatory work. This lends an immediacy to the piece, as if capturing a fleeting idea or gesture. The drawings overall effect is one of unsettling elegance; a blend of theatricality, abstraction, and underlying melancholy.