The 1966 original poster by Pablo Picasso, titled "Arlequin Barcelona Espagne", is a striking piece that was created to promote the Museu Picasso in Barcelona, Spain. The image on the poster is based on one of Picasso’s famous works featuring the Harlequin, a character from the Italian Commedia dell'Arte, a traditional form of theater. Picasso’s use of the Harlequin figure is significant, as it appears repeatedly in his work throughout his career, symbolizing the artist’s connection to themes of performance, identity, and the artist’s role in society.
In this particular poster, the Harlequin is depicted with a serene and introspective expression, dressed in the traditional costume of alternating diamond-shaped patterns in pastel hues of blue, green, and white. The figure's hand gently holds a black hat, and the background is simple and muted, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on the figure. This portrayal reflects Picasso's Neoclassical period, characterized by a return to more traditional forms and clarity of line following his Cubist experimentation.
The poster was commissioned to celebrate the Museu Picasso in Barcelona, which opened in 1963 and houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso's early works. The museum is particularly significant, as Barcelona was a city that played an important role in Picasso's artistic development. He spent several formative years in the city, where he connected with avant-garde circles and developed his unique style.
The design of the poster, which includes the text "Museo Picasso, Palacio Aguilar, Barcelona, España," emphasizes the connection between the artist and the city. The Palacio Aguilar is one of the historic buildings that houses the museum, adding a sense of grandeur and cultural importance to the poster’s message. The poster is not just an advertisement for an exhibition, but also a statement of Barcelona’s place in Picasso's legacy and the broader world of art.
The Arlequin image is particularly fitting for this purpose, as the Harlequin is a character that bridges high and low culture, embodying the playful yet deeply thoughtful nature of Picasso’s work. This 1966 poster by Picasso is a beautiful representation of how the artist continued to shape his public image and cultural legacy, even later in his career, while reinforcing Barcelona's role as a vital center for art and history.
Today, this poster is a sought-after piece for collectors, valued for its connection to Picasso and its historical significance in promoting the museum that remains one of the key institutions dedicated to the artist’s work.
Original poster
Exhibition - Spain
Museo Picasso
Foto REP Barcelona
Good condition
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