The artwork entitled “Scene design for ‘Pulcinella'” is a creation by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, dating back to the year 1920. This piece of design art, executed in the medium of gouache, is a reflection of the Art Nouveau (Modern) art movement. The dimensions of this particular work are relatively modest, measuring 21.6 x 26 cm. Notably, this piece serves a specific purpose within the realm of theatrical design.
The artwork presents a lively and ornate theatrical stage design, vivid in color and rich in detail. The central focus is a proscenium arch that frames a view into a quaint, moonlit streetscape, possibly evoking a Mediterranean or Italianate village atmosphere. The borders of the stage are adorned with classical architectural elements – columns and archways – and are punctuated by a series of windows or niches housing silhouetted figures. These figures, dressed in attire reminiscent of traditional theatrical garb, add to the narrative ambiance of the scene. Above the arch, a radiant sunburst pattern surrounds a cloudy sky, imbuing the setting with a sense of timelessness and universality. The harmonious interplay of colors and the spatial arrangement within the design all contribute to the sense that this is a gateway to a world of dramatic storytelling, befitting the commedia dell’arte tradition to which ‘Pulcinella’ belongs.
