Harlequin with Violin

1918
(Spanish, 1881–1973)
Framed: 171 x 132 x 7.5 cm (67 5/16 x 51 15/16 x 2 15/16 in.); Unframed: 142.2 x 100.3 cm (56 x 39 1/2 in.)
© Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Did You Know?

Picasso associated himself with the character Harlequin, a jokester from the popular commedia dell'arte, a happy-go-lucky and nimble sprite, juggler, and conjurer in whom Picasso recognized his own artistic abilities.

Description

The diamond-patterned costume and triangular hat identify the musician in this painting as one of Picasso's alter egos, Harlequin, a jokester from the popular commedia dell'arte. The phrase Si tu veux on the sheet of music may refer to a popular song that begins, "If you wish, Marguerite, make me happy by giving me your heart." The inclusion of this lyric may refer to Picasso's marriage to Russian ballerina Olga Koklova in 1918.
Harlequin with Violin

Harlequin with Violin

1918

Pablo Picasso

(Spanish, 1881–1973)
Spain, 20th century

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