1916 Arlequin assis Е la guitare Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

Here we observe a figure seated on a chair, engaged in playing a stringed instrument. The individual is costumed as a harlequin, with garments composed of geometric shapes – diamonds and squares – in a palette of red, blue, black, and white. A pointed hat, similarly patterned, sits atop the head.
The artist has rendered the figure through a fractured perspective; features are not presented in a naturalistic manner but rather as planes and angles that shift and overlap. The face is characterized by an elongated nose and deeply set eyes, conveying a sense of melancholy or introspection. The hands, positioned on the instrument’s neck and strings, appear angular and somewhat detached from the body.
The chair itself is simplified to essential lines and shapes, contributing to the overall geometric structure of the composition. A muted background suggests an interior space, though details are minimal, allowing focus to remain firmly on the central figure. The color scheme is restrained, with a dominance of earth tones that contrast subtly with the vibrancy of the harlequin costume.
Subtexts within this work seem to explore themes of performance and identity. The harlequin’s costume, traditionally associated with comedic roles, is presented here in a context of quiet contemplation. This juxtaposition suggests a questioning of the performers role – is it merely entertainment, or does it carry deeper emotional weight? The fragmented depiction of the figure could be interpreted as an exploration of fractured identity, suggesting that the individual’s sense of self is not whole but rather composed of disparate elements.
The muted palette and introspective expression contribute to a mood of quiet sadness or resignation, hinting at a narrative beyond the surface appearance of the harlequins costume. The work seems less about joyous entertainment and more about an examination of the human condition through the lens of theatrical disguise.