Commedia dell’arte is a form of theatre that originated in Europe around the 14th century. Characterized by masked performers, it evolved to have varying configurations in different parts of the continent. In Britain, enthusiasm for commedia dell'arte waned in the early 1700s and instead harlequinade evolved as a comic adaptation of it. Harlequinade performances were initially mimed but later included speaking roles and music. By 1800, harlequinade had become a goofy slapstick affair, and the lovers Harlequin and Columbine were pivotal characters. In those days, an evening at the theatre featured a mix of dramas and pantomimes, and a clownish harlequinade based on the pantomime was a nice touch to end the performance. Harlequin’s mischievous bawdy antics made him a lively addition to the stage and he—and Columbine, to a lesser degree—enlivened the English stage into the Victorian era.
What of figures of Harlequin and Columbine? In the 1730s, Meissen made the first ceramic portrayals of Harlequin and Columbine. These porcelain figures were inspired by engravings of commedia dell’arte characters. English porcelain factories followed suit, using both engravings and Meissen prototypes to influence their designs. I believe Derby first made Harlequin with a black mask from around 1770. Staffordshire figures of Harlequin and Columbine are quite rare and closely resemble Derby porcelain forms.
What of figures of Harlequin and Columbine? In the 1730s, Meissen made the first ceramic portrayals of Harlequin and Columbine. These porcelain figures were inspired by engravings of commedia dell’arte characters. English porcelain factories followed suit, using both engravings and Meissen prototypes to influence their designs. I believe Derby first made Harlequin with a black mask from around 1770. Staffordshire figures of Harlequin and Columbine are quite rare and closely resemble Derby porcelain forms.
Staffordshire pearlware figure of Harlequin, circa 1810. Formerly in the stock of John Howard.
Note that Harlequin holds a black mask, but his face and hands are white.The figure above was made without a bocage, but I have recorded several examples with bocage--such as the example below.(Image source unknown.)
I thought you might enjoy this theatrical print, published in 1827. It shows Mr. Ellar as Harlequin. Note that again it is the mask that is black, not Harlequin's skin.
Unfortunately, cheap copies of Harlequin can today be found masquerading as the Real Thing. They pop up periodically on eBay. If you know nothing and want a quick pointer: I have never seen a titled early Harlequin, yet reproductions are frequently titled. The figure below is a reproduction--I wish I had a better picture. Meanwhile, I have a yarn to tell about a reproduction Harlequin recently described as circa 1820. Please click here or on Ouch on the Believe It menu at the top of the page to read all about it.
A modern reproduction figure of Harlequin. Just look at those feet!
