1919 Projet de costume pour le toreador (Le Tricorne) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a figure in elaborate attire, seemingly posed for repose or contemplation. The individual is seated, their weight shifted onto one leg, which is braced with a distinctive boot featuring decorative tassels. A cape, rendered in vibrant shades of red and orange, drapes around the shoulders, its folds suggesting both grandeur and weariness. The costume itself is heavily ornamented with intricate patterns – a complex interplay of gold, white, and black – that contribute to an overall impression of theatricality and ceremonial significance.
The headwear is particularly striking: a tall, conical hat adorned with feathers and what appears to be a decorative finial. It dominates the composition, drawing the eye upward and emphasizing the figure’s elevated status or role within a performance context. The face, though somewhat obscured by shadow and stylized features, conveys an air of melancholy or introspection.
The background is divided into two distinct zones. To the left, a cloudy sky suggests a dramatic atmosphere, while to the right, a textured surface – possibly representing a wall or backdrop – is rendered with a flurry of short, energetic lines. This textural contrast creates depth and directs attention toward the central figure. The dark band at the bottom of the composition serves as a visual anchor, grounding the scene and intensifying the sense of isolation surrounding the individual.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of identity, performance, and perhaps even burden. The opulent costume suggests a role laden with expectation and tradition, while the figure’s posture and expression hint at an underlying fatigue or disillusionment. Theres a palpable tension between the outward display of splendor and the internal state of the individual depicted. One might interpret this as a commentary on the performative aspects of identity – the ways in which individuals adopt roles that may not fully reflect their inner selves. The drawing’s overall effect is one of quiet drama, inviting contemplation about the complexities of public persona versus private experience.