Saltimbanques, vagabond circus performers, began appearing in Picasso's work when his palette became light and lyrical as he entered his Rose Period in 1905.

Picasso created his first fourteen etchings in 1905, but printed few impressions.  Vollard acquired the copper etching plates from Picasso, had them steel-faced to reinforce the most delicate lines and had them printed by Louis Fort in editions of 250.