Harlequin's Head 1905

'Harlequin’s Head’ by Pablo Picasso, is a painting of unknown date and dimension, created in a private collection. Looking at this portrait, I am struck by the thickness of the paint, see how it sits on the surface, a bit like frosting? It’s almost as if Picasso has sculpted the face, building it up layer by layer. The colors are muted, almost melancholic, but there’s a warmth too, especially in the pink and blue of the Harlequin’s costume. Notice the eyes – they’re dark and a little sad, but there’s also a sense of mystery, as if the Harlequin is hiding something. Picasso was always interested in the theatre, and this painting feels like a stage set, with the Harlequin as the main character. This piece reminds me of some of Van Gogh’s portraits, particularly in the way he uses paint to create texture and emotion. But Picasso brings his own unique vision to the work, creating a portrait that is both beautiful and unsettling. Like any great work of art, this painting is open to interpretation.