1917 Parade – projet pour un costume dacrobate Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The drawing presents a figure in motion, seemingly captured mid-performance. The subject is rendered as a stylized representation of an acrobat or dancer, with a focus on the decorative elements covering their form rather than anatomical accuracy. A vibrant blue dominates the design, contrasting sharply with areas of white and a muted brown wash that suggests a background or atmospheric effect.
The artist employed a pattern of swirling motifs and star shapes to adorn the figure’s body. These patterns are not applied uniformly; they flow along the contours of the limbs and torso, creating an impression of dynamism and movement. The use of these repeated elements hints at a deliberate attempt to transform the human form into something more akin to a living ornament or a visual rhythm.
The brown wash behind the figure is loosely rendered, lacking precise definition. It contributes to a sense of depth while also softening the overall impact of the blue design, preventing it from becoming overly assertive. The treatment suggests an intentional blurring of boundaries between the performer and their environment.
Subtly, there’s a suggestion of fragmentation within the composition. While the patterns unify the figure, they simultaneously break down its perceived solidity. This could be interpreted as reflecting a broader interest in deconstructing traditional notions of representation – a questioning of how we perceive and understand the human body within performance contexts. The drawing seems to explore the interplay between individual identity and collective spectacle, hinting at themes of transformation and theatrical illusion.