`Harlequin` by Picasso and `Portrait of a Young Man by Bronzino

Picasso creates separation of his subject by using multiple shape and color layers . He emphasizes the importance of the central figure by having it in the immediate foreground filling the majority of the frame . The harlequin 's outfit is the focus of the piece in distinguishing him by occupation and fills most of the canvas . In Harlequin there is only one element in front of the subject and that is a white rectangular block to the lower right corner . It appears as if it is something the harlequin is holding and serves to

add meaning as well as additional depth . The white block appears to have a pro of a man within it in brown and could serve as a key to the harlequin 's real identity . The viewer gets the impression he is holding his true self in his hand . The composition of the piece makes the viewer feel somewhat trapped by the costume . Though you are drawn to the face of the harlequin the costume competes with trying to look into the face of the harlequin to understand more . In this way Picasso emphasizes that the harlequin is masked behind his service and adds more meaning to the pro silhouette he carries in his hand . Bronzino also uses composition to convey a message in his Portrait of a Young Man Bronzino 's central figure also fills the canvas and is highly detailed compared to the background and other elements in the painting . He has positioned the man in a stance that evokes confidence , not uniform , but rather off balance with one hand on his hip . His figure has turned his head to look directly at the viewer and it feels as if he is forcing you to look further into his expression . The subjects expression is the focus...