Inspired by the performances of the Cirque Medrano, a circus frequented by Picasso, the image shows six acrobats, a kind of circus performers, painted against a barren landscape. Before the work was completely finished, Picasso reworked the painting several times, adding figures and altering the composition. Although he moved on from depression during the "Blue Period", you can still see some of that sadness and emotional state in this painting. The expression on the faces of the acrobats clearly shows that of someone who is hurt and trying to forget the bad moments in his life.