Harlequin

Harlequin is a black and white drawing realized by André Derain in the 1950s.

The artwork is hand-signed by the artist and dedicated to Paul Guillaume .

The drawing represents Harlequin, a character from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte, famous for his colorful checkered costume and bicorn hat. Harlequin is shown whilst holding a guitar leaning on his right leg. His face is inexpressive, and his look seems almost lost in the void, conveying a sense of melancholy. This amazing drawing is probably one of the several preparatory sketches made for one or two paintings preserved at the Musée de l'Orangerie (Paris): Harlequin and Pierrot and Harlequin with Guitar . In both paintings, indeed, Harlequin is standing in a very similar pose to that of our drawing. Worthy of mention is that both paintings come from the private collection of Paul Guillaume, whom very likely also commissioned them. As a matter of fact, Paul Guillaume, a famous French critic and art dealer, was a friend and supporter of many artists, such as H. Matisse, P. Picasso, A. Modigliani, and A. Derain, to whom Paul Guillaume dedicated a personal exhibition in his gallery located in Rue de Miromesnil.

His collection, enlarged by his wife after his death, was donated to the Louvre and other museums.

He must have appreciated the theme of acrobats, or traveling circus artists, very much, given that he also acquired various Picasso's artworks with similar subject matters.

Decorate the walls of your house with this amazing modern artwork by a great name of 20th-century art!

Take a look at many more art drawings online on Wallector.com!