This figurine of Harlequin is one of a set representing 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.

Harlequin was the young lover of Columbine whose original patched suit of various fabrics developed into the familiar outfit of multi-coloured diamond shapes. In Italy Arlecchino was a quick-witted but unscrupulous servant; in France he was a pretty simpleton, a languishing lover and a romantic magician, but in England he became the star of 18th century pantomime.