Pablo Picasso painted Acrobate et Jeune Arlequin (Acrobat and Young Harlequin), oil on canvas, measuring 191.1cm x 108.6 cm in 1905. The canvas is from his Rose Period which represents more lively themes of clowns, harlequins, carnival performers, who are depicted in jovial vibrant hues of red, pink, orange and earth tones. The Rose Period (1904-06) is considered as French influenced and it represents an important epoch in his life and work and it also had a major impact on the development of modern art and also marking the beginning of his stylistic experiments with primitivism which is influenced by pre-Roman Iberian sculpture, Oceanic and African art.

This painting is pretty conventional in style as its line is thin which shows the artist’s unique contribution to expressionism. Acrobate et Jeune Arlequin is referred in relation to his “Harlequin” period when Picasso is stated to have used circus artists as his source of inspiration. It depicts the theme of the artists’ value in society where they were mocked and seen as social outcasts. It is displayed at The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, US.— E.J.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, March 13th, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....