Terms and conditions of use
Figure of Columbine
(1770-1780)
- Medium
- porcelain (hard-paste)
- Measurements
- 21.5 × 10.1 × 8.0 cm
- Accession Number
- 2024.512
- Department
- International Decorative Arts
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Patricia Begg OAM Bequest, 2024 - Gallery location
- Not on display
- About this work
-
The commedia dell’arte was a form of satirical, comedic theatre that emerged in northern Italy in the fifteenth century and rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe. It was performed by travelling professional troupes of actors and was characterised by simple plots, improvised dialogue and a cast of colourful stock characters. Some troupes were favoured at foreign courts, especially in France and Germany, where images from the commedia became a favourite theme for artists. Often paired with Harlequin, Columbine was a quick-witted lady’s maid. Her mask symbolises the ‘hide-and-seek’ aspect of courtship and love