In the wonderful Pablo Picasso Le harlequin (The Harlequin), 1971, a clown and harlequin walk side by side as if in deep conversation. The vibrant red, blue and yellow colors which decorate their costumes belie the placid expressions on their faces. The clown is seen wearing a striped shirt with a dramatic hat, his oversized hands and feet emphasizing his comedic persona. The harlequin wears the trademark red and yellow diamond patterned suit, yet his face is darkly colored in contrast against his festive costume. The two characters appear to be caught in a serious moment, the harlequin looking quizzically at the clown as if waiting for a response. This subtle detail exemplifies the human side to these usually theatrical and buffoon-like characters. It is precisely this willingness to detract from classical caricature which qualifies Picasso as a creative visionary.

Created in 1971, this color lithograph on Arches wove paper is hand signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 - Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin and numbered from the edition of 100 in pencil in the lower left margin. This work was lithographed by Henri Deschamps and printed by Mourlot, Paris.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso Le harlequin (The Harlequin), 1971 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 final sale of the work):

1. Czwiklitzer, Christoph. Pablo Picasso Plakate 1923-1973. Munchen: Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag GmbH &Co. KG,  1981. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 437.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:

Pablo Picasso Le harlequin (The Harlequin), 1971 is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complementary moulding and optical grade Plexiglas.