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

The composition presents a figure seated on a chair, positioned centrally within a theatrical setting. The individual is dressed in a patterned costume reminiscent of a harlequin, with diamond-shaped motifs dominating the attire. He holds a guitar, his fingers poised as if mid-performance. A dark, wide-brimmed hat obscures much of his face, lending an air of anonymity and perhaps melancholy to his expression.
The backdrop is complex and layered. To the left, a classical column rises, partially obscured by a heavy red curtain that dominates the space. Behind the figure, a suggestion of architectural elements – arches and what appears to be a landscape – is discernible through a hazy atmosphere. The color palette is dominated by muted tones: greens, blues, yellows, and browns are interwoven with the vibrant red of the curtain.
The artist’s technique emphasizes fragmentation and distortion. Forms are simplified and flattened, lacking traditional perspective or depth. This approach contributes to a sense of unreality, as if the scene exists within a dreamscape or a constructed stage set. The patterned costume further reinforces this feeling of artifice; it is not merely clothing but an element of performance.
Subtexts within the work suggest themes of isolation and the role of the performer. The figure’s obscured face hints at a hidden identity, perhaps representing the universal experience of masking emotions or playing a part in society. The theatrical setting implies that this individual exists for observation, his actions dictated by an unseen audience. The guitar itself becomes symbolic – a tool for expression, but also potentially a source of solace and escape from a difficult reality.
The overall effect is one of quiet introspection, tinged with a sense of sadness and detachment. It’s a portrayal not simply of a musician, but of someone existing within the confines of a constructed world, grappling with an unspoken narrative.