Pablo Picasso’s Harlequin, 1966, offers crisp tonal values and represents Picasso extensive work on the theme of the Harlequin. A source of fascination for the artist, this image offers a pensive representation that combines both the artist realistic and cubist styles, creating an iconic image of Picasso's early career.

The figure's costume and the brilliant red drape at the left of the image, infuse the work with a quality of dramatics. Averting his eyes from the audience the figure looks to the side of the stage with his left arm resting along the banister, as if he was watching his fellow performers. In all Picasso creates an intimate character study, which focuses on the individuality of the figure rather than the entertaining aspects of his assumed persona.

Of this work Rosa Maria Subirana states, "in this period Cubism and Classicism exist side by side stemming from the influences of the theatre and ballet together with ancient Roman art…this Harlequin represents a variation on his traditional theme. It constitutes possibly his best work during that time" (Rodrigo, 1482).

Rodrigo goes on to state, "The "pensive Harlequin," as O'Brian calls it, is a character linked with Picasso's past, mainly his Neo-Impressionist and Pink Periods. In this painting, the Harlequin reflects a serenity and, at the same time, a sadness that might correspond to Picasso's emotional state at the time (1917), when his love affair with Olga had still not been resolved" (Rodrigo, 1482).

It is important to note that Picasso had made only eight blue period color print editions during his lifetime. Of those, five were of editions of only 60, and two were of editions of 200. Therefore, all blue period style prints are extremely scarce and this is one of the most impressive artworks from that period.

Created in 1966, this offset color lithograph is hand-signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 – Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin and inscribed ‘H.C’ (Hors d’Commerce) in pencil in the lower left margin, aside from the numbered edition of 60, printed by S.A., Barcelona, 1966.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso Harlequin, 1966, is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Czwiklitzer, Christopher. Picasso’s Posters. New York: Random House, 1971. Listed and illustrated as catalogue rasionne no. 230.

2. Rodrigo, Luis Carlos. Picasso In His Posters: Image and Work, Volume III. Spain :Arte Ediciones, 1992. Listed and illustrated as catalogue no. 151.

3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Pablo Picasso Harlequin, 1966, is framed to archival museum grade conservation standards, this piece is presented in a complementary moulding with silk-wrapped mats and optical-grade Plexiglas.