This print depicts the clown Signor Paulo (the stage name of Paulo Redigé the Younger) in the Harlequinade of the pantomime April Fools! or, Months and Mummeries that opened at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre on 4th April 1817.

Signor Paulo had grown up in the theatre as the son of the funambulist Paulo Redigé, known as Le Petit Diable, and his mistress La Belle Espagnole, a performer who had made her name in Paris for her elegant and wonderful feats on the tightrope. His father had first appeared at Sadler's Wells in 1781, and his mother in 1785. Playing clown in April Fools! or, Months and Mummeries, the opening pantomime of the 1817 season at Sadler's Wells, was challenging for Signor Paulo since he was replacing the famous clown Joseph Grimaldi in the role. The Sadler's Wells public adored Grimaldi who had not been engaged by the manager Charles Dibden the Younger that season because of the contract demands he had tried to negotiate. When Signor Paulo was announced in the role instead, a faction of Grimaldi's faithful fans even posted the neighbourhood with bills declaring: 'No Paulo!' and 'Joey for ever!'. The pantomime opened to a house only a quarter full, but Paulo won over the critics within weeks and became a firm favouite at the Wells, even wearing the same costume and make up Grimaldi had devised for the role.