The Jester

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© Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
My gallery Comment Tag Order Photography*
© Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
My gallery Comment Tag Order Photography*
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The Jester

France, 1905
Sculpture
Bronze
16 × 5 × 10 in. (40.64 × 12.7 × 25.4 cm)
Partial, fractional and promised gift of Janice and Henri Lazarof (M.2005.70.97)
Modern Art
Currently on public view:
Broad Contemporary Art Museum, floor 3

Since gallery displays may change often, please contact us before you visit to make certain this item is on view.

Label

In 1905 Picasso became fascinated with the Parisian circus milieu. The Jester began as a portrait of his friend, poet and critic Max Jacob, after a visit to the Cirque Médrano....
In 1905 Picasso became fascinated with the Parisian circus milieu. The Jester began as a portrait of his friend, poet and critic Max Jacob, after a visit to the Cirque Médrano. Jacob often played the role of court jester in Picasso’s circle, reciting poetry and singing operettas wearing a woman’s hat. However, the finished work no longer resembles Jacob, but instead appears more like a harlequin, whose deep eye sockets suggest his inward thoughts. The rough surface of the bronze catches the light, giving the sculpture additional personality.

Wall label, 2021.
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Bibliography

  • Spies, Werner. Picasso: the Sculptures. Ostfildern: Hatje Cantz, 2000.
  • Barron, Stephanie. Envisioning Modernism: The Janice and Henri Lazarof Collection. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Munich; New York: DelMonico Books-Prestel, 2012.
  • Spies, Werner. Picasso: the Sculptures. Ostfildern: Hatje Cantz, 2000.
  • Barron, Stephanie. Envisioning Modernism: The Janice and Henri Lazarof Collection. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Munich; New York: DelMonico Books-Prestel, 2012.

  • "2005-2006 Selected Acquisitions." LACMA Insider 4, no.1 (2006): 4-7.

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