This figurine was produced by the Samson factory in Paris which was established in 1845 by Edmé Samson, a famous copyist of pottery and porcelain. He produced pieces inspired by and copied from the work of famous factories including Chinese export porcelain, Meissen, Sèvres, Chelsea, Derby, and all the major factories of England, France and Germany, as well as tin-glazed earthenware or faience.

This figurine represents a character from the Commedia dell'Arte, or 'artistic comedy', the popular improvised knockabout comedy which flourished in Italy from the 16th to the 18th centuries and influenced 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.

The same character is represented in a print in the V&A Theatre and Performance collections (S.3783-2009).