The artwork “Harlequin with Guitar” was created by artist Juan Gris in the year 1919. It is an oil on canvas painting that measures 116 x 89 cm, which is approximately 45 5/8 x 35 inches. This work is crafted in the cubist style and is categorized as a portrait. It currently resides within a private collection.
The painting depicts a figure, which can be identified as a Harlequin by the distinctive costume pattern, holding a guitar. The artwork is an exemplification of Cubism, characterized by the fragmentation of form and the interplay of color and shape to convey multiple perspectives simultaneously. The Harlequin is rendered with abstracted shapes, and the guitar, while also geometrically stylized, remains recognizable. The use of both bold and subtle color variations provides a sense of depth and complexity, inviting the viewer to explore the relationship between the flatness of the canvas and the illusion of three-dimensional space. The Harlequin’s gaze is elusive, enhancing the sense of intrigue and mystery often associated with this character in art. The rich palette and the interlocking forms showcase Gris’s ability to balance both color and form to achieve a harmonious composition.
