Series IV.A. Characters and masks, ca. 1560-ca. 1954
5 boxes, 5 flat file folders 158 prints, 15 cutouts
The subseries comprises prints of single and multiple
commedia dell'arte characters and masks. A large number of the prints formed suites, some originally bound. In order to retain
the coherence of these suites, the subseries has been organized chronologically by printmakers and publishers, rather than
by character names. The subseries attests to the early interest in the
commedia dell'arte in Italy. The reception of the genre in France is exemplified by Jacques Callot's œuvre and by prints engraved
in Paris during the last decades of the 17th century when Italian companies were present in Paris and benefited from royal
support. The intensive publishing activity in the rue Saint-Jacques in Paris emerges as a foyer of great diffusion of the
commedia dell'arte repertoire, as is shown in the prints issued by Jean Le Blond I, Henri and Nicolas Bonnart, François Jollain,
and Antoine Trouvain. The subseries also illustrates the reception of the work of painters and draftsmen Claude Gillot, Antoine
Watteau, Nicolas Lancret, and Cornelis Troost. The prints by Frederick Carter and the cutout silhouettes of Lotte Reiniger
exemplify ways in which XXth century artists used a traditional repertoire to address new artistic concerns.
Box
Folder
11*
1
[Pantaloon]
[S.l.] : Petri de Nobilibus formis
[15--]
1 print : etching. Pl. 21 x 14.7; Sh. 21.2 x 15.1; Mt. 35.4 x 26.5
Pantalone or Pantaloon plays a stringed instrument, possibly a lute, an owl resting on his shoulder. He sings and plays to
Franceschina, while looking down towards a puppy dog (i.e. cagnolino) that holds an open book containing musicscores.
Inscription in upper right: Tra la Ciuetta, é mi, é la Cagnolina / Cantiamo per rasón la franceschina.
11*
2
[Pulcinella; Zanni; Il Dottore]
[16--]
3 prints : etching. Pl. 30 x 18.4; Sh. 37.9 x 21.7
Three prints of
commedia dell'arte characters Pulcinella (i.e. Punchinello), Zanni, and Il Dottore (i.e. The Doctor). Inscription in the plate's
lower margin of
Pulcinella: Io sono quel famoso Pulcinella / … Numbered in lower left corner of image: 696. Annotated in ink: 961 / 21. Inscription
in the plate's lower margin of
Zanni: A me non da fastidio la pigione / … Numbered in the lower right of plate: 963 / 23. Inscription in the plate's lower margin
of
Il Dottore: A suon di Campanacci addottorato / … Numbered in lower left corner of image: 699. The three prints are identified in Duchartre
as etchings by Jacob de Gheyn II (1565-1629).
11*
3
[Les trois Pantalons]
Callot, Jacques, etcher
[ca. 1618-ca. 1620]
3 prints : etching, engraving. Pl. 24.2 x 15.3; Sh. 24.8 x 16.1
Complete suite of
Les trois Pantalons or
The three Pantaloons representing three stock characters from the
commedia dell'arte: Pantalone [i.e. Pantaloon], Il Capitano or L'Innamorato [i.e. The Captain or Lover], and Zanni or Scapin.
Ref.: Lieure 288-290
11*
4
[Zanni, or Scapin]
Callot, Jacques, etcher
[ca. 1618-ca. 1620]
1 print : etching, engraving. Im. 21.5 x 14.5; Mt. 25 x 17.7
The figure of Zanni or Scapin from the suite of
Les trois Pantalons or
The three Pantaloons is shown standing and holding a sword, while spectators watch a performance on stage in the background.
Annotated in ink: Callot fecit.
Ref.: Lieure 290
Box
14*
Balli di sfessania
Callot, Jacques, etcher
[ca. 1621]
24 prints : etching. Pl. 7.3 x 9.4; Sh. 7.6 x 9.7
Complete suite comprising a title leaf and 23 etchings portraying dancers or performers identified by inscriptions. Several
of these bear the names of
commedia dell'arte characters: Mezzetino, Pulcinella, Scapino, and Scaramuccia.
Ref.: Lieure 379-402; Posner, D. "Jacques Callot and the dances called Balli di sfessania,"
Art bulletin (June 1977), v. LIX/2, p. 203-216
Box
Folder
11*
5
[
Commedia dell'arte characters]
Bonnart, Henri, publisher
[16--]
17 prints : etching, engraving. Pl. 15 x 10; Sh. 20.6 x 14.5
Each etching in this set of small prints depicts a single
commedia dell'arte figure in a bare setting, identified by an inscription in the lower margin. Most of the prints are inscribed
with the imprint of Henri Bonnart. The prints are titled:
Le capitan Spezzaferre (i.e. The Captain),
Le Pantalon venitien (i.e. Pantaloon or Pantalone),
Mesetin (i.e. Mezzetino, Mezzetin),
Le comedien serieux,
Gilotin,
La comedienne,
Arlequin (i.e. Harlequin, Arlecchino),
Le Docteur (i.e. The Doctor),
Briguelle,
Diamantine,
Triuelin (i.e. Trivelin),
Scaramouche (i.e. Scaramuccia),
Arlequin,
Le vulcain de l'opera,
L'opérateur Turpin,
Polichinelle (i.e. Punchinello, Pulcinella),
Scaramouche. Watermarks. Numbered in red pencil in upper margin: 34, 55, 70, 71, 73, 74, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 83, 84,
85. The print titled
L'opérateur Turpin bears the partially legible name of Gérard Scotin.
Ref.: Weigert, no. 577-602 (for complete suite)
11*
6
Gilotin; Mezetin Boccale
Bonnart, Henri, publisher
[Paris] : Chez HBonnart rüe S. Iacques au Coq avec priu.
[16--]
2 prints : etching, engraving. Pl. 27 x 19; Sh. 36.4 x 23.5
The prints show the
commedia dell'arte characters Gilotin and Mezzetino.
Ref.: Guardenti, no. 287; Weigert, no. 593
11*
7
Mezetin Boccale
Bonnart, Henri, publisher
[Paris] : Chez HBonnart vis a vis les Mathurins au Coq avec priuil.
[16--]
1 print : etching, engraving. Im. 23 x 17.7; Sh. 26.6 x 18.7; Mt. 29.4 x 19.4
The masked figure of Mezzetino is shown holding a sword, standing besides a monkey that carries a scroll.
Ref.: Weigert, no. 593
11*
8
[Costumes de Venise]
Bonnart, Nicolas, publisher
[16--]
6 prints : etching, engraving. Pl. 16.5 x 11.8; Sh. 20.6 x 14.5
Each etching in this set depicts a single
commedia dell'arte figure standing in a landscape:
Pantalon, masque venitien (i.e. Pantaloon or Pantalone),
Harlequin, comedien burlesque (i.e. Arlequin, Arlecchino),
Pasquarel, comedien boufon d'Italie (i.e. Pasquarelli),
Scaramouche, en colere (i.e. Scaramuccia),
Le docteur Gratian Baloüard (i.e. The Doctor), and
Polichinelle, masque burlesque (i.e. Punchinello, Pulcinella). The imprint of Nicolas Bonnart is inscribed in the lower margin
and below the image appears: Tiré du Cabinet de Mr. Chassebras de Cramailles. The print
Scaramouche, en colere is a portrait of Marc'Antonio Romagnesi. Numbered in red pencil in upper part of image: 64; 65; 66;
67; 68; 69.
Ref.: Weigert, no. 346-347, 350-353
11*
9
Le docteur Balouarde; Spezza Ferre
Bonnart, Nicolas, publisher
[16--]
2 prints : etching, engraving. Pl. 26.3 x 18.6; Sh. 33 x 24.1
Two prints of
commedia dell'arte characters titled
Le docteur Balouarde (i.e. The Doctor) and
Spezza Ferre. The imprint of Nicolas Bonnart is inscribed in the lower margin and a signature appears in the lower left corner of the
image: Bonnart f. The Doctor is a portrait of Marc'Antonio Romagnesi.
Ref.: Weigert, no. 360, 370.
11*
10
[
Commedia dell'arte characters]
Bonnart, Nicolas, publisher
[16--]
10 prints : etching, engraving. Pl. 26.7 x 18.7; Sh. 36.5 x 22.5
The prints are:
Arlequin (i.e. Harlequin, Arlecchino),
Arlequin au ventre de sa mere la Tonne,
Arlequin, gentilhomme marchand de piereries,
Crispin,
Le docteur Balouarde (i.e. The Doctor),
Polichinelle (i.e. Pulcinella, Punchinello),
Scaramouche (i.e. Scaramuccia),
Scaramouche entrant au theatre,
Le vulcain de l'opera, and
Le sabotier. The characters Crispin and the Doctor are portraits of Raymond Poisson and Marc'Antonio Romagnesi.
Ref.: Weigert, no. 354-356, 359-360, 364, 366, 368, 370
11*
11
Arlequin; Polichinelle; Scaramouche entrant au theatre
Bonnart, Nicolas, publisher
[16--]
3 prints : etching, engraving. Sh. 26 x 17.8
The prints of
commedia dell'arte characters are titled:
Arlequin (i.e. Harlequin, Arlecchino),
Polichinelle (i.e. Pulcinella, Punchinello),
Scaramouche entrant au theatre (i.e. Scaramuccia). The imprint of Nicolas Bonnart appears in the lower margin. The signature of Bonnart is inscribed in
the lower left corner of
Polichinelle and
Scaramouche entrant au theatre.
Ref.: Weigert, no. 354, 364, 368
Box
Folder
12*
1
[Harlequin, or Arlecchino]
Mitelli, Giuseppe Maria, etcher
[ca. 1675]
1 print : etching. Im. 27 x 19.5; Pl. 27.7 x 20.2; Sh. 34.4 x 25.5
The plate from the suite
Le ventiquattr'hore dell'hvmana felicità … (Bologna, 1675) shows Harlequin (i.e. Arlequin, Arlecchino) performing a dance step, with one hand on sword and other held
high with palm up.
Inscription in the plate's lower margin: COMICO / Io uò uendendo altrui frottole e fole / … // MORTE / Dal Tarlo mio tù per
sottrarti, i sali / …
Ref.: Varignana, F. Giuseppe Maria Mitelli. Le incisioni, no. 254
12*
2
Gvillot Goriv; Gandolin
Falck, Jeremiasz, engraver
[16--]
2 prints : engraving. Im. 27.8 x 20.4; Sh. 31 x 20.5
The prints depict the figures in profile of Gandolin and Guillot Goriu [i.e. Guillot Gorju] in an architectural setting. The
imprint of Jean Le Blond at the sign of the
Cloche d'argent on rue Saint-Jacques, Paris, appears in the lower margin of
Giullot Goriu.
12*
3
[
Commedia dell'arte characters]
Rousselet, Gilles, engraver
Couvay, Jean, engraver
Huret, Grégoire, designer
Mariette, Jean, publisher
Paris : Mariette excu. …
[16--]
6 prints : engraving. Im. 26.9 x 20.5; Sh. 31.5 x 21.2
A suite featuring four prints engraved by Gilles Rousselet and two by Jean Couvay. Each print depicts a character from the
commedia dell'arte and a well-known actor. The prints are titled:
Gaultier Garguille (i.e. Hugues Guéru),
Gros Guillaume (i.e. Robert Guérin),
Turlupin (i.e. Henri Legrand),
Iodelet (i.e. Jodelet, the actor Julien Bedeau),
Le capitan Matamore (i.e. The Captain), and
Gvillot Goriv (i.e. Guillot Gorju, Bertrand Hardouin de Saint-Jacques). Numbered in lower right corner: 1 to 6.
12*
4
[
Commedia dell'arte characters]
Trouvain, Antoine, publisher
[16--]
8 prints : etching. Im. 15.5 x 11.3; Pl. 17.6 x 12.2; Sh. 20 x 15.8
Each etching in this set of small prints is inscribed with the imprint of the publisher Antoine Trouvain at the sign of the
Grand monarque on rue Saint-Jacques, Paris. The prints are titled:
Mezetin (i.e. Mezzetino),
Arlequin (i.e. Harlequin, Arlecchino),
Gilotin,
Polichinelle (i.e. Pulcinella),
Le sabotier,
Scaramouche (i.e. Scaramouche, Scaramuccia),
Spezza Ferre (i.e. the Captain), and
Le vulcain de l'opera. Watermarks.
12*
5
[Scaramouche]; Dame Ragonde
Guérard, François, etcher
[16--]
1 print : etching, engraving. Pl. 16.4 x 11.5; Sh. 21 x 15.7
Figure of Scaramouche (i.e. Scaramuccia) holding guitar while other hand is held out, palm open, and figure of Dame Ragonde
in a landscape setting with trees in the background. Inscription in the lower margin of
[Scaramouche]: Dans cette habit fantastique … Inscription in the lower margin of
Dame Ragonde : Vous cherchez qui je suis …
12*
6
[
Commedia dell'arte characters]
Jollain, François, publisher
[16--]
10 prints : engraving. Im. 26.1 x 18.5; Pl. 20 x 18.9; Sh. 36.5 x 23
Each engraving in this set of large prints depicts a standing figure from the
commedia dell'arte with a scene performed on stage in the background. The imprint of François Jollain appears on most prints,
while several engravings are inscribed with the signature: Leroux f. The prints are titled:
Voila le grand Polichinelle dit le pere aux autres (i.e. Pulcinella, Punchinello),
Pascariele,
Arlequin (i.e. Harlequin, Arlecchino),
Crispin,
Voila le drolle de Gille (i.e. Gilles),
Le magister naso,
Scaramouche (i.e. Scaramuccia),
Pantalon (i.e. Pantalone, Pantaloon),
Le sabotier,
Le docteur Ballouard (i.e. the Doctor).
12*
7
Pantalon
Jollain, François, publisher
[16--]
1 print : etching, engraving. Im. 25.3 x 18.2; Pl. 27.8 x 18.6; Sh. 35.1 x 23.4
The figure of Pantaloon (i.e. Pantalone) facing left is derived from an etching by Jacques Callot.
Ref.: Weigert, no. 343
12*
8
Le capiten Spezza Ferre
[17--]
1 print : engraving, hand col. Im. 22.9 x 17.5; Sh. 26 x 18.2
The figure of Spezza Ferre (i.e. the Captain) stands before a garden. Inscribed in the lower margin: Spezza ferre est rude
a l'Espade / Mais ce n'est qu'en rodomontade. The print, although unsigned, is possibly by Jean-Baptiste Broebes (/Brebes).
It is derived from the print titled
Le capitan Spezzaferre issued by Henri Bonnart, but was printed in reverse direction. Numbered in lower right: 6.
Ref.: Guardenti, no. 261
12*
9
[
Commedia dell'arte characters]
[17--]
4 prints : etching. Im. 14.5 x 10; Sh. 19.4 x 10.8
Four prints based on satires by Horace and Juvenal that show
commedia dell'arte characters and masks: Mezzetin (i.e. Mezzetino), Pantaloon (i.e. Pantalone), Scaramouche (i.e. Scaramuccia),
and Jean Gurgulo (i.e. Giangurgolo). The figure of Mezzetin is a standing portrait of Angelo Constantini, based on a painting
by François de Troy. Each print is inscribed with a title and a reference to Horace or Juvenal. Ref.: Guardenti, no. 186,
194-196
12*
10
Het nieuw geopend Italiaans Toneel, vertonende de vonderlyke ziekte bezwangerkeid en baring van Arlequin benevens de opvoeding
van des zelfs Jongen Zoon
Xavery, Gerard Jozeph, draftsman; designer
Schenk, Peter, publisher
T Amsterdam : By Petrus Schenk woor ann in de Warmoes Straat …
[17--]
16 prints : etching. Pl. 23.5 x 20.7; Sh. 24.4 x 21.3
A set comprised of a hand-colored title leaf and 15 b&w etchings (pl. 1-3, 5-16) depicting the illness, pregnancy, and confinement
of Harlequin, as well as the education of his son.
Ref.: Molinari, p. 166-172
12*
11
Kolombine. Arlequin
Xavery, Gerard Jozeph, draftsman; designer
Schenk, Peter, publisher
[17--]
1 print : etching. Pl. 22.7 x 20.7; Sh. 23.7 x 21.8
The print depicts Harlequin whipping his son. It is numbered 14 and forms part of the suite
Het neiuw geopend Italiaans Toneel ….
12*
12
Cette bouche si charmante …
Xavery, Gerard Jozeph, draftsman; designer
[17--]
1 print : etching. Pl. 23.1 x 20.6; Sh. 23.7 x 21.6
The commedia dell'arte scene is inscribed in the lower margin: G. I. Xavery Inv. et Del.
Box
Folder
13*
1
Le theatre italien
Schmidt, Georg Friedrich, etcher
Lancret, Nicolas, designer
Larmessin, Nicolas de, publisher
A Paris : Chez N de Larmessin graveur du Roy rüe des Noyers a la 4e porte cocher adroite entrant par la rüe St. Jacques A.P.D.R.
[17--]
1 print : etching. Pl. 31.6 x 23.2; Sh. 32.3 x 24.3
The reproductive print after Nicolas Lancret's painting
Comédiens italiens (Paris, musée du Louvre) features the Doctor, Harlequin, Gilotin, Columbine, and Brighella who stand in front of a wooded
area.
Inscription in the lower margin: Ici les jeux badins et l'aimable folie …
13*
2
Arlequin toovenaar en barbier / Arlequin magicien & barbier
Tanjé, Pieter, etcher
Troost, Cornelis, designer
te Amsterdam : By P. Fouquet Junior 1758
1758
1 print : engraving. Im. 29.7 x 24.7; Pl. 36.6 x 26.7; Sh. 39.9 x 30
The street scene shows Harlequin (i.e. Arlecchino, Arlequin) in the role of a barber (Niemeijer, J. W. Cornelis Troost, no.
282). Dedicated to: Antoine Joseph de Bergk.
13*
3
[Sous un habit de Mezetin]
Watteau, Antoine, designer
[17--]
1 print : etching. Sh. 26.8 x 19.2
The anonymous print after Antoine Watteau's painting at the Wallace Collection in London, also known as
Gilles and his family, shows figures in front of an arch. Mezzetino is a portrait of Pierre Sirois.
Ref.: Le Blanc, C.
Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, vol. 4, p. 32, no. 51; Dacier, É., Vuaflart, A.
Jean de Jullienne, no. 131 (with no inscriptions, in reverse from ill. 131)
13*
4
Balet italien; Consert italien
Watteau, Antoine, designer
[17--]
2 prints : etching. Im. 11.1 x 8; Pl. 12.6 x 8; Sh. 17.7 x 20.3
Two anonymous prints after Antoine Watteau.
Balet italien, a reduced copy of the etching
Les habits sont italiens … published by Sirois, shows Pierrot (or Gilles?) and other figures standing in front of a curtain
and landscape. Inscribed in the lower margin: Wateaux pinx. / et se vent a Pari[s]. Inscription in the lower margin: Les habits
son Italiens …
Consert italien, a reduced copy of the etching
Sous un habit de Mezetin …, shows figures in front of an arch. Mezzetino playing the guitar is a portrait of Pierre Sirois.
Inscribed in the lower margin: Wateaux pinx. / et se vent a Paris. Inscription in the lower margin: Sous un habit de Mezetin
…
Ref.: Dacier, É., Vuaflart, A. Jean de Jullienne, no. 130b (in reverse from ill. 130); no. 131b (in reverse from ill. 131)
13*
5
Belle n'écoutez rien, Arlequin est un traitre …
Cochin, Charles Nicolas, etcher
Sirois, Pierre, publisher
Watteau, Antoine, designer
A Paris : Chez Sirois sur le Quai Neuf aux armes de France
[17--]
1 print : etching, hand col. Im. 20.6 x 26.9; Sh. 23.4 x 27.3
An etching after Antoine Watteau showing Harlequin, Pierrot, and Mezzetino.
State 1 (cf. Dacier)
Ref.: Rosenberg, P. Antoine Watteau , v. 1, p. 144, fig. 92a; Dacier, É., Vuaflart, A. Jean de Jullienne, no. 82
13*
6
Pour garder l'honneur d'une belle …
Hartman, Daniel, engraver
Watteau, Antoine, designer
Engelbrecht, Martin, publisher
[Augsburg] : Mart. Engelbrecht exc. A. V.
[17--]
1 print : engraving, hand col. Im.20.3 x 26.8; Pl. 22.3 x 27.7; Sh. 24.5 x 30.6
The engraving is copied after Charles-Nicolas Cochin's etching
Pour garder l'honneur d'une belle …; it shows l'Innamorata playing the guitar, while Lelio sings. The Doctor, Pierrot, and
Harlequin look on. Printed in the lower margin : N. 59. Numbered in upper left corner: 1.
13*
7
Sangodemi!
A Paris : Chez Martinet, Libraire, rue du Coq No. 13 et 15
[18--]
1 print : engraving, col. Im. 17.8 x 10.9; Sh. 22 x 14
Full-length figure of Harlequin (i.e. Arlequin, Arlecchino) in costume and mask with left hand holding hat. Printed, top right:
279
13*
8
Costume d'une Arlequine, dans Gustave III ou Le bal masque, opéra.
Maloeuvre, Pierre, engraver
[Paris] : Chez Hautecoeur-Martinet, Editeur, rue du Coq, No. 13 et 15, a Paris
[18--]
1 print : engraving, hand col. Pl. 19.5 x 12.6; Sh. 23.7 x 15.7
Full-length female figure in Harlequin costume with both hands on sword. Printed, top left: Académie Royale de Musique; top
right: No. 904.
13*
9
Le capitan Matamore
Lecomte, Hippolyte, lithographer
[18--]
1 print : lithograph, col. Sh. 24.6 x 19.3
Standing figure of Captain Matamore, wearing plumed hat and large spurs on shoes, one hand on hip and other pointing right,
for a performance at the Hôtel de Bourgogne in Paris. Inscribed across bottom: (Th.tre de l'Hotel de Bourgogne) (Année 1648).
Numbered in upper right: 4. Inscribed below image: I. lith. de Delpech.
13*
10
Le capitan Matamore
Ruotte, Louis Charles, engraver
Huret, Grégoire, draftsman; designer
[18--]
1 print : stipple engraving, hand col. Im. 19.9 x 14.6; Sh. 35.5 x 25.7
A print showing the full-length figure of the Captain, wearing plumed hat and large spurs on shoes, one hand on hip and other
pointing right. In pencil, lower right: 1873. Inscription at top of image: Galerie Théâtrale.
13*
11
[Commedia dell'arte scenes]
Carter, Frederic, etcher
[ca. 1908-ca. 1911]
14 prints : etching. Im. 18.2 x 12.1; Sh. 33.6 x 22.9 and smaller
The fourteen prints are not part of a suite. They are titled:
The apotheosis of Colombine,
The skipper,
[Untitled],
Red hot gold - a little joke of the old gentleman's / Les dons du diable,
The skeleton in the cupboard,
Le fin d'Arlequin,
A dance - : desire,
A dance called "Jealousy",
Rose dance,
The death of Colombine,
[Untitled],
Prologue - puppets,
L'envoi, and
[Untitled]. Several prints are inscribed with the name of the artist and a date, and have the artist's name pencilled below image.
Commedia dell'arte characters include Pierrot, Harlequin, and Columbine.
Ref.: Furst, H. "Frederick Carter,"
The print collector's quarterly, v. 20/4, p. 346-361
Box
15*
[Commedia dell'arte characters]
Reiniger, Lotte, artist
[ca. 1930-ca. 1954]
1 box (15 cutout silhouettes): paper, cardboard, glass, leather, b&w and col.; 27.4 x 20.5 x 5 cm.
The box contains 15 silhouette figures, notably of
commedia dell'arte characters Harlequin, Columbine, the Captain, and Pantaloon. Each is pencilled with the artist's initials
and is annotated with a title in pencil.
