P ainted in 1924, this work by Derain was done during his preliminary studies for his monumental Harlequin and Pierrot, which hangs in the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. This famous painting was commissioned by Paul Guillaume, who was the leading art dealer for artists such as Chaim Soutine and Amedeo Modigliani at the time. The painting depicts two characters from the Italian theatre tradition known as Commedia dell’Arte. While the Pierrot was later recognized as a portrait of Guillaume himself, the subject for the present work as the Harlequin remains unknown.

The enigmatic qualities of the final version are emphasized in the present work. The dark brown tonality alongside the loose brushstrokes stress the melancholy expression in the Harlequin’s eyes. Rather than evoking whimsy and joy, the Harlequin evokes mystery and contemplation.