“Harlequin’s Family” is an artwork by Pablo Picasso, created in the year 1905. The medium used is Indian ink and watercolor on paper, embodying the expressive qualities characteristic of the Expressionism movement. The artwork’s dimensions are 57.5 by 43 centimeters and it belongs to the genre painting category, depicting a scene with figures. Currently, the artwork is held in a private collection.
The artwork showcases a tender familial scene, comprised of three figures that appear to be a family unit, with the central character dressed as a harlequin. The harlequin, recognized by his checkered costume, is depicted in a compassionate pose, interacting with a child while a woman looks on, suggesting a moment of intimate familial interaction. The figures are sketched with a sense of immediacy and fluidity, indicative of Picasso’s mastery in capturing the essence of a moment. The use of color is restrained, yet it effectively accentuates certain elements of the composition, drawing attention to the harlequin’s costume and the contours of the figures. The background is loosely indicated, allowing the viewer’s focus to remain on the figures and the emotional significance of the scene.
