Juan Gris

Seated Harlequin

1920

Image released under Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND (3.0 Unported)

License this image

Not on display

Artist
Juan Gris 1887–1927
Original title
L'Arlequin assis
Medium
Graphite and ink on paper
Dimensions
Support: 342 × 270 mm
image: 271 × 212 mm
frame: 518 × 431 × 20 mm
Collection
Tate
Acquisition
Presented by Gustav and Elly Kahnweiler 1974, accessioned 1994
Reference
T06809

Display caption

The linear variety of this drawing reveals how Gris could anchor recognisable subjects within a carefully conceived geometry. The character of Harlequin, from the Commedia dell’Arte, emerges out of a sequence of rhyming elements, emphasised by heavier lines. This is a preparatory drawing for a painting of the same title and Harlequin’s identity is indicated by the convention of his curving hat, rather than by his more familiar multi-coloured checked costume.

Gallery label, March 2008

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.

You might like

Left Right