Boy in Harlequin Jacket, Pochoir after Picasso
Framed pochoir after Pablo Picasso's 1905 composition 'Saltimbanque in Profile,' also published as 'Boy in Harlequin Jacket.' Produced during the early 1960s under Picasso's engagement, this richly colored print captures the artist's enduring fascination with circus performers and the poetic world of the saltimbanques.
Snapshot
• Artist / Maker: After Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
• Title / Object: Boy in Harlequin Jacket / Saltimbanque in Profile
• Medium / Material: Pochoir print with hand-applied white embellishments; glazed frame
• Date / Period: Early 1960s, after a 1905 original drawing
• Publisher / Origin: Published under Picasso's engagement
• Dimensions: Height 25 1/4 in.; Width 19 1/4 in.
• Condition: Very good. Small insect trapped beneath the glass; original beige frame shows light age-related wear.
Product Overview & History
Pablo Picasso's fascination with the world of the circus reached its height during his Rose Period, when acrobats, harlequins, and itinerant performers became recurring subjects in his work. Saltimbanque in Profile, drawn in 1905, reflects this important chapter in the artist's career and captures the quiet introspection that characterizes many of these figures.
This example, published in the early 1960s as Boy in Harlequin Jacket, is a pochoir produced under Picasso's engagement and retains the immediacy and expressive line of the original composition. The print features hand-applied white embellishments that add visual depth and reinforce the artisanal character associated with the pochoir process.
Presented in its original beige frame and signed in the matrix at lower left, the work offers strong wall presence while remaining closely connected to one of the most celebrated themes in twentieth-century art. The restrained palette, elegant profile, and iconic harlequin costume make it equally compelling for collectors of Picasso graphics, modern art, and circus-related imagery.
Whether displayed in a contemporary interior, library, or dedicated collection of modern prints, this piece brings the enduring poetry of Picasso's Rose Period into the home.
Collector's Notes
The enduring appeal of Picasso's saltimbanque imagery lies in its blend of theatricality and introspection. Framed examples of authorized mid-century pochoirs remain sought after for their decorative impact and close connection to Picasso's celebrated Rose Period. The hand-applied embellishments, original presentation, and recognizable harlequin subject give this work strong collector appeal and exceptional versatility in display.
