Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2023.

Decoration for a Mardi-Gras Bal

Artist Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973)

Date1923

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions114 × 84 in. (289.6 × 213.4 cm)
Overall, Frame: 116 1/4 × 84 5/8 × 2 in. (295.3 × 214.9 × 5.1 cm)

ClassificationsModern art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.689

Collections

European Art before 1945

On View

On view

DescriptionTwo linear figures stand side-by-side on a color-blocked diamond shape with white, blue, and brown sections. The figure on the left is rendered in vertical and horizontal lines; it holds a fish in its right hand, and its feet have prongs like tridents. The figure on the right has triangles radiating from its body, and a large diamond-shaped belly. In its right hand, it holds a sign reading "BAL" in capital letters. The background is tan with black horizontal lines. Following traditional imagery, the figure on the left represents Lent, seemingly emaciated and holding the typical Lenten food of fish. In contrast, the glowing, rotund figure on the right represents Carnival and the excesses of Mardi Gras.

Label TextPablo Picasso Spanish, 1881–1973 Decoration for a Mardi-Gras Bal, 1923 Oil on canvas After his radical experiments in developing Cubist style, Picasso proceeded to expand his art into the fields of design for theatre, ballet, and also parties and grand masked balls. The Count and Countess de Beaumont commissioned a number of design projects and works from Picasso, including this decoration for a ball at their house, the Hôtel de Masseran in Paris. Following traditional imagery, the excesses of Mardi Gras--here embodied by a glowing, rotund figure of Carnival holding up the celebratory sign "BAL"-- are contrasted to his emaciated successor Lent, holding the typical Lenten food of fish. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.689