Pablo Picasso’s artwork titled “Harlequin,” created in 1915, is a remarkable example of Synthetic Cubism. This oil on canvas genre painting measures 183 by 105 centimeters and is housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Capturing the essence of the Harlequin character—a frequent subject in Picasso’s work—the painting exemplifies the characteristic style and innovation of the Synthetic Cubism movement.
The artwork presents a figure that is immediately recognizable as the Harlequin by his costume’s distinctive diamond pattern, rendered in a rich array of colors like orange, green, blue, and brown. The composition is highly stylized and abstract, typical of Picasso’s work during this period. Various planes and geometric shapes intersect and overlap, breaking the figure down into a series of fragmented forms and surfaces. The use of bold colors and sharp lines is prominent, and the background is discernibly darker, which brings the Harlequin’s form forward.
Despite the abstract nature, there is an indication of dimensionality and layering within the work, achieved through the careful arrangement of colors and shapes. The figure appears to be pieced together from disparate elements that, when combined, suggest a sense of depth. The face of the Harlequin, depicted in profile, is simplified to a few essential features, yet remains expressive. Overall, the painting displays a sophisticated balance between fragmentation and harmony, characteristic of Synthetic Cubism, where elements are constructed to create a semblance of the subject rather than dissecting it analytically as was done in Picasso’s earlier Cubist works.
