The artwork “Harlequin with guitar” is a creation of the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, completed in the year 1918. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 35 x 27 cm. The art piece is categorically an expressionist genre painting. Within the bounds of Expressionism, Picasso presents a vibrantly attired harlequin playing the guitar.
In the artwork, the central figure is depicted with defining features of a harlequin – a performer traditionally clad in a checkered costume. The character holds a guitar, gently cradling it with both hands, which suggests the act of playing the instrument. Picasso’s use of bold, contrasting colors and fragmented geometric shapes reflects his iconic style that aligns with the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century.
The harlequin is portrayed wearing a hat with a curved brim that shadows the top of his face, giving emphasis to the figure’s pronounced facial features, like the elongated chin and the contemplative gaze. The costume is rendered with sharp angular patterns and a collage of greens, yellows, and blacks, creating a dynamic visual texture that captures the viewer’s eye. Behind the harlequin, there is a suggestion of a stage set with drapery and what appear to be classical architectural elements, like a column, supporting an impression of a theatrical environment. The presence of a potted plant in the background could be indicative of a domestic scene or a theatrical prop, further blending the realms of performance and everyday life.
The harlequin figure, recurrent in Picasso’s oeuvre, is known to symbolize the alter ego of the artist, adding layers of autobiographical context to the artwork. As part of the Expressionism movement, the painting communicates emotional experience over physical reality, which is evident in the exaggerated form and the emotive use of color within the piece.
