Untitled (Pierrot and Harlequin)

In this work, Picasso chose to depict two characters from the Italian theatre known as the Commedia dell’Arte: Harlequin and Pierrot. The figure on the left is Harlequin, best known for his white frock with ruff, head covered by a black calotte. Pierrot is to the right; dressed in his minimalist checkered costume and bicorn hat. Picasso had taken a keen interest in this theme of saltimbanques (theatre and specifically, the two characters) that had been popular since the 16th century. Through portraying these figures with his signature flat cubist style, he adds a twist of modernity.
SKU: 4282
Creator: Pablo Picasso
Date: 1930
Original Medium: color stencil or pochoir
Original Size: 12 1/16 x 9 3/16 in.
Location: Baltimore Museum of Art
© Succession Picasso 2011