Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), *Actor 1976* (1904/1905)

Color lithograph, paper specially produced for this edition by Cartier Sterzi, 47 x 32 cm (inside dimensions of the passe-partout measuring 57 x 42 cm); published by Centro Diffusione Cultura Milano under license from the Pablo Picasso Estate (with an oval “Succ. Pablo Picasso” stamp on the reverse), edition of 1,000 copies; the lithographic plates were destroyed to prevent unauthorized prints.
This work represents a significant milestone in Picasso’s oeuvre, marking the transition from the somber, melancholic themes of the Blue Period to the world of circus performers and artists (the so-called saltimbanques) characteristic of the Rose Period.
Figure: The painting depicts a slender, elongated man standing on stage in a theatrical, slightly expressive, and mannered pose. The elongated proportions of the body and the expressive hand gestures clearly allude to the Mannerist style of the master—El Greco.
Color Scheme: Shades of pink and ochre dominate, accented by vivid blue details (including the stockings and sash), symbolically bridging the cool, blue period with the approaching warm palette of pink.
Fun fact: This canvas has an extraordinary history—Picasso painted *The Actor* on the reverse side of another earlier painting of his (depicting a landscape), which was a common practice for him due to financial reasons.
Location of the original: Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), New York