Inspired by depictions of the Circus Medrano, a circus that Picasso frequently attended, the painting shows six acrobats, a type of circus performer, painted against a barren landscape. Before the work was completely finished, Picasso reworked the painting several times, adding figures and changing the composition. Although he came out of his depressions during the "blue period", you can still see some of that sadness and emotional state in this painting. The expressions on the faces of the acrobats clearly show that of someone who is hurt and trying to forget the bad times in their life.