Descripción
There are elements that distinguish this Harlequin from the others: in this work the Harlequin is holding on to a mirror. This does not happen in the others. His clothing is different. The figure, in general, is not as elaborate compared to the other portraits. In this painting, Picasso took special care to make the different pictorial textures of the painting stand out.
This painting corresponds to Picasso’s original approach to the classical style to which he gives new life and harmony. Even though the Master used few colors in this painting, he managed to make the suit appear to be made of genuine velvet and its violet tones contrast with the set of lace and fabrics that the Harlequin uses for his makeup. The facial features were delicately outlined, which, together with the pale tones of the colour, gave it the appeal of adolescence.
After its presentation at the Knoelder Gallery, the painting was exhibited at the Lefevre Gallery in London in 1979, where it was acquired for the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection.
