04. Rose Period

1905 - 1906

Music Selection: Tailleferre: Overture for Orchestra

Coming out of his depression, Picasso infuses his work with warmer tones — pinks (“rose” in French) and browns — counter-balancing the cool hues of his Blue Period. This new period heralds depictions of the ironic isolation of saltimbanques, or traveling circus performers — harlequins, acrobats and jesters. He is inspired by his frequent visits to the Cirque Médrano in Montmartre, where he and other artists were made welcome to attend rehearsals and performances for free (valuable to Picasso since he was poor at the time). He also depicts melancholic cafe entertainers. Picasso captures the entertainers in barren landscapes, far from the circus tent and away from the cheering crowds.