Three Pierrots and Harlequin 1914

Albert Bloch made this painting of three Pierrots and Harlequin at a time when many artists were rethinking the role of art in society. Bloch, an American artist working in Europe, invokes the commedia dell'arte, a form of improvisational theatre that originated in Italy. In this painting, the tragic figure of Pierrot is multiplied, while the playful Harlequin lies prone, as if defeated. The image has been interpreted as a commentary on World War I, which was raging in Europe at the time. The Pierrots may represent the suffering of the European people, while the Harlequin may represent the failure of art to provide solace or meaning in the face of such widespread devastation. Understanding the social and political context in which this painting was made can help us to appreciate its power and complexity. Historians consult archives, letters, and publications from the period to reconstruct the artist’s world. Art's meaning is always shaped by the world around it.