“Portrait of Paulo as Pierrot” is an oil on canvas artwork created by the illustrious artist Pablo Picasso in the year 1929. The painting, demonstrating a dimension of 130 by 97 centimeters, falls under the genre of a portrait and is executed in a style associated with Naïve Art, particularly Primitivism. Currently, this piece resides within a private collection and is not on public display.
The artwork depicts a child dressed as Pierrot, a charactertraditionally associated with pantomime and commedia dell’arte. The subject stands against a neutral, muted backdrop which allows the figure to command attention. Adorned in a classic white Pierrot costume with ruffled collar and pom-pom buttons, the child’s face exudes a softness conveyed through Picasso’s brushstrokes, contrasting with the crispness of the attire. The costume’s whimsy is paired with a sense of innocence in the child’s expression. In one hand, the child gently holds a stick, perhaps suggestive of a prop or walking stick commonly associated with the character of Pierrot. The other hand is obscured by the fluffy dimension of the costume’s sleeve. This simplicity in composition and the straightforward depiction of the figure are characteristic elements of the Naïve Art movement, emphasizing a direct and child-like perspective in artmaking. The inclusion of flowers, both in the child’s hat and presented as a bouquet to the side, injects a vibrant array of colors into the painting, bringing life and a celebratory essence to the portrait. The rendering of the flowers is loose and almost impressionistic, providing a delightful contrast against the more solidly painted figure. This portrait captures a moment both timeless and nostalgic, potentially resonating with broader themes of childhood and performance.
