Not currently on display at the V&A

Commedia dell'Arte figurine

Figurine
late 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This figurine of Columbine is one of a set representing various characters from the Italian knockabout comedy called the Commedia dell'Arte, or 'artistic comedy'. This was the popular improvised type of comedy which flourished in Italy from the 16th to the 18th centuries and had an impact on theatre throughout Europe, especially France. Commedia plays were acted along pre-arranged scenarios but relied on the performers' ability for improvisation and ensured their popularity with a mixture of slapstick comedy, acrobatic leaping and romantic interest. Various visiting Italian troupes performed in France in the 16th century where their type of theatre was called the Comédie-Italienne. By the 17th century, however, their plays were being performed largely in French, and by the 18th century Commedia dell'Arte was a recognised part of the French theatre.

Columbina, as she was called in Italy, was the lady's maid who became known as Columbine in France and England. In her native country she had gone by other names including Franceschina, Smeraldina, Oliva, Nespola, Spinetta, Ricciolina, Corallina, Diamantina and Lisetta. Her relationship with Harlequin was the central romantic interest in Commedia plays, which show Columbine in love with the rascally Harlequin, though she is always aware of his faults and makes attempts to change him. Columbine's costume was originally designed as a counterpart to Harlequin's, the material a patchwork of multi-coloured diamond shapes, but here she wears a more traditional bodice and skirt.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleCommedia dell'Arte figurine (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Lead-glazed earthenware
Brief description
Figurine of the Commedia dell'Arte character Columbine, lead-glazed earthenware, Northern Italian, late 19th century
Physical description
Ceramic figurine of the Commedia dell'Arte 'Columbine', painted in underglaze colours. She wears a black mask, a black and yellow tricorn hat, a white low cut blouse, a black bodice, a pink skirt with magenta peplum and floral decoration, a white apron, white tights and black buckled shoes. She stands on a base with four integral feet, decorated with two comedy masks and rococo style shell-like patterns and modelled details. The base has a decorative band of laurel leaves painted green.
Dimensions
  • Maximum height: 19.3cm
  • Maximum width: 8.0cm
  • Maximum depth: 10.0cm
  • Maximum of base width: 9.0cm
  • Maximum depth of base depth: 8.7cm
  • Maximum height of base height: 4.2cm
Marks and inscriptions
Yellow mark inside
Credit line
Bequeathed by John James
Summary
This figurine of Columbine is one of a set representing various characters from the Italian knockabout comedy called the Commedia dell'Arte, or 'artistic comedy'. This was the popular improvised type of comedy which flourished in Italy from the 16th to the 18th centuries and had an impact on theatre throughout Europe, especially France. Commedia plays were acted along pre-arranged scenarios but relied on the performers' ability for improvisation and ensured their popularity with a mixture of slapstick comedy, acrobatic leaping and romantic interest. Various visiting Italian troupes performed in France in the 16th century where their type of theatre was called the Comédie-Italienne. By the 17th century, however, their plays were being performed largely in French, and by the 18th century Commedia dell'Arte was a recognised part of the French theatre.

Columbina, as she was called in Italy, was the lady's maid who became known as Columbine in France and England. In her native country she had gone by other names including Franceschina, Smeraldina, Oliva, Nespola, Spinetta, Ricciolina, Corallina, Diamantina and Lisetta. Her relationship with Harlequin was the central romantic interest in Commedia plays, which show Columbine in love with the rascally Harlequin, though she is always aware of his faults and makes attempts to change him. Columbine's costume was originally designed as a counterpart to Harlequin's, the material a patchwork of multi-coloured diamond shapes, but here she wears a more traditional bodice and skirt.
Collection
Accession number
S.26-1994

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Record createdNovember 7, 2005
Record URL
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