1920, Dix pochoirs

Theatrical themes explored by the Russian Ballet made their way into the prints of Picasso: we find the characters of Harlequin (a clown) and Pulcinella (the ancestor of Punch). We also find the guitar—the instrument of the wandering troubadour—reconfigured by way of Cubism.These themes blended with Picasso’s bold, geometric Cubist style of that era. The results are images whiche one arresting in colour and wildly inventive in composition.
Rare pochoirs
Relatively little is known about this exceedingly rare collection of pochoirs, although their distinctly Cubist style is a hallmark of many of Picasso’s works from his early career. Also of note is the figure of the Harlequin, a comedic character traditionally dressed in checkered clothing that became a personal symbol for the artist throughout his Blue and Rose periods, to be replaced in later works by the mythological figure of the minotaur. Pierrot and Harlequin Seated is thus a classic example of Picasso’s early work as an artist, and lso represents the unparalleled scope of his vision and creativity in bringing his artistry to bear on the worlds of music and dance.

Assis

Colour pochoirs, circa 1920. Dim. 25×19 cm, full margins. Signed and numbered 14/100 in pencil, lower left. Published by Paul Rosenberg, Paris. A very good impression of this extremely scarce, early prints, with strong colours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Musicien

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pedestal Table with Guitar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Musicien et guitar

Guitar and Score on Gueridon

 

 

 

Guitar and Score on Pedestal Table

  Pierrot et Arlequin

Pierrot and Harlequin on Cafe Terrace

Guitar and Score on table

Pierrot and Harlequin