Italian Comedy Collection (#3)

Character from the Commedia dell Arte (oil on canvas)
XIR240922 Character from the Commedia dell Arte (oil on canvas) by Gillot, Claude (1673-1722); Musee Boucher de Perthes, Abbeville, France; French, out of copyright

Scene from the Commedia dell Arte (oil on canvas)
XIR232653 Scene from the Commedia dell Arte (oil on canvas) by French School, (18th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris

The masked ball, 23rd January 1782 (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR230875 The masked ball, 23rd January 1782 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Moreau, Jean Michel the Younger (1741-1814); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Costume design for a female harlequin, c. 1880 (coloured engraving)
XIR216685 Costume design for a female harlequin, c.1880 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Scaramouche on Horseback (colour litho)
XIR181589 Scaramouche on Horseback (colour litho) by German School, (18th century); Deutsches Theatermuseum, Munich, Germany; German, out of copyright

Harlequin on Horseback (coloured engraving)
XIR181030 Harlequin on Horseback (coloured engraving) by German School, (18th century); Deutsches Theatermuseum, Munich, Germany; German, out of copyright

Harlequin, engraved by Juan Dolivar (1641-92) (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR176228 Harlequin, engraved by Juan Dolivar (1641-92) (engraving) (b/w photo) by Le Pautre, Antoine (1621-91) (after); Bibliotheque de L Arsenal, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Polichinelle (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR176227 Polichinelle (engraving) (b/w photo) by Fruytiers, Lodewyk Joseph (1713-82); Bibliotheque de L Arsenal, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Harlequin and Colombine, c. 1886-90 (oil on panel)
XIR220772 Harlequin and Colombine, c.1886-90 (oil on panel) by Degas, Edgar (1834-1917); 33x23.5 cm; Musee d Orsay, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Harlequins Lottery (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR197231 Harlequins Lottery (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School, (17th century); Bibliotheque de L Arsenal, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Harlequin and Scaramouche (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR197230 Harlequin and Scaramouche (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School, (17th century); Bibliotheque de L Arsenal, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Polichinelle (engraving)
XIR192988 Polichinelle (engraving) by Bonnart (Family of Engravers) (1650-1750); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Farce Actors Dancing (oil on panel)
XIR181855 Farce Actors Dancing (oil on panel) by Quast, Pieter Jansz. (1605-47); Comedie Francaise, Paris, France; Dutch, out of copyright

Actors of the Comedie Italienne (oil on canvas)
XIR175198 Actors of the Comedie Italienne (oil on canvas) by Watteau, Jean Antoine (1684-1721) (after); Musee d Art et d Archeologie, Moulins, France; French, out of copyright

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Italian comedy has always been a vibrant and lively art form, capturing the essence of the Spirit of Burlesque since its inception in 1868. From Don Juan and the commander's uproarious banquet depicted in a captivating watercolor to Punchinello being carried off by an eagle, Italian comedy never fails to surprise and entertain. The iconic figure of Arlequin takes center stage in many comedic masterpieces, such as the enchanting oil painting from 1925 that showcases his mischievous charm. In Maccheroni Pianigiani's poster from 1922, we catch a glimpse of the delightful chaos that awaits us within this world of laughter. In one engraving from 1880, Arlequin and Leandre can be seen joyfully drinking and singing while playfully mocking Pierrot. Meanwhile, another engraving portrays Pierrot's reluctance to share a delicious roasted partridge with Arlequin. The comical exchanges continue as Arlequin seeks shelter with a basket in his arm or brings along paste and wine for their escapades. Leandre even offers Harlequin a handkerchief to treat his sick nose, adding yet another layer of hilarity to their antics. And amidst it all, poor Pierrot laments about his fate - missing out on indulging in delectable partridge or pasta. An art form that transcends time; it tickles our funny bones while shedding light on human follies and absurdities. It reminds us not to take life too seriously but instead embrace laughter as medicine for our souls. So let us immerse ourselves in this rich tradition where wit meets slapstick humor, leaving us grinning from ear to ear at every turn.