1917 Parade (Вtudes pour le rideau de scКne) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

Here we see a study for what appears to be a theatrical figure or performer. The composition is vertically oriented and focuses intently on the upper portion of the subject – primarily the head and shoulders. A large hat dominates the visual field, its form rendered with energetic brushstrokes in shades of orange, red, and purple, creating a sense of vibrancy and movement.
The face itself is not realistically depicted; instead, it’s constructed from short, broken lines and patches of color – blues, greens, yellows – that suggest rather than define features. This technique lends the figure an almost mask-like quality, hinting at a character or role being portrayed rather than a portrait of an individual. The eyes are particularly striking, rendered as small, intense points of dark pigment within this fragmented face.
Below the head and hat, the body is sketched with lighter strokes in muted tones, appearing less defined and more schematic. This deliberate lack of detail directs the viewer’s attention to the expressive upper portion of the figure. The overall effect suggests a preliminary study or design for a stage production – perhaps a costume sketch intended to capture the essence of a character rather than precise details.
The subtext here seems to revolve around performance and disguise. The fragmented, almost abstract rendering of the face implies an intentional obscuring of identity, suggesting that the figure is embodying a role rather than presenting themselves authentically. The vibrant colors and energetic brushwork contribute to a sense of theatricality and spectacle, reinforcing the impression of a performer in costume. Theres a feeling of fleetingness or improvisation; this isn’t a finished work but a moment captured in the process of creation, hinting at the dynamism inherent in live performance.