1914 Arlequin Е la guitare * Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a figure seated, holding a guitar. The individual is rendered in a fragmented style, characteristic of early Cubism. Facial features are deconstructed and rearranged; the nose appears as a series of angular planes, while the mouth is depicted with an exaggerated, almost mocking curve. A dark patch obscures one eye, contributing to a sense of ambiguity or perhaps veiled emotion.
The figure’s attire consists of what seems to be a patterned jacket, broken down into geometric shapes and planes of varying shades – primarily grays, whites, and blacks. The guitar itself is similarly dissected, with its form abstracted into overlapping facets of purple, brown, and cream. Its strings are rendered as thin, angular lines that seem to vibrate within the fragmented space.
The background is ambiguous, composed of muted tones suggesting an interior setting. Vertical planes create a sense of depth, though perspective is deliberately distorted. A small circular motif with red dots appears in the lower left corner, adding a touch of visual complexity and potentially hinting at a broader symbolic context.
Here we see a deliberate rejection of traditional representational techniques. The artist seems less concerned with depicting reality as it appears than with exploring its underlying structure through geometric abstraction. The figure’s pose is somewhat static, yet the fractured forms convey a sense of dynamism and instability. This fragmentation could be interpreted as reflecting a broader societal disruption or psychological turmoil – a feeling of displacement and alienation.
The choice of an Arlequin (Harlequin) figure introduces layers of subtext. Traditionally associated with comedy and disguise, the Harlequin’s presence here suggests a questioning of identity and performance. The guitar, often linked to music and emotional expression, is rendered as another fragmented element within this complex visual puzzle. It might symbolize the silencing or distortion of authentic feeling in a world undergoing profound change. Overall, the work conveys a sense of intellectual inquiry and formal experimentation, inviting viewers to actively engage with its deconstructed forms and layered meanings.