1901 Arlequin accoudВ Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents a solitary figure seated at a table, enveloped within a landscape rendered in broad, expressive brushstrokes. The individual, costumed as a harlequin with a distinctive checkered pattern adorning their attire, is positioned slightly off-center, drawing the viewers attention to their contemplative posture. A hand is raised towards the face, partially obscuring the features and suggesting an introspective moment or perhaps a gesture of melancholy.
The color palette is dominated by greens and blues, creating a sense of enclosure and quietude. The background foliage, executed in varying shades of green, appears dense and somewhat oppressive, contributing to the overall mood of isolation. A few splashes of orange and yellow punctuate this verdant backdrop, offering subtle visual relief but not disrupting the prevailing somber tone.
The artist employed a simplified approach to form; details are minimized, and outlines are softened, which lends an air of dreamlike quality to the scene. The harlequin’s costume, while visually striking with its contrasting black and blue squares, is rendered in a flattened manner, devoid of any sense of three-dimensionality. This stylistic choice contributes to the paintings overall flatness and emphasizes the symbolic nature of the figure rather than their physical presence.
A small object sits on the table beside the harlequin; it’s difficult to discern its exact nature but its placement suggests an element of domesticity or routine, which contrasts with the figure’s apparent emotional state.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of identity and performance. The harlequin costume, traditionally associated with merriment and entertainment, is here presented in a context of quiet sadness. This juxtaposition implies a deeper examination of the role that individuals play within society and the potential for underlying sorrow even behind a facade of joy. The figure’s gesture – the hand raised to the face – suggests an attempt to conceal or shield oneself from external observation, hinting at vulnerability and introspection.