Art work (pen and ink drawing) for proposed frontispiece illustration by Ethelbert White showing Pablo Picasso's set for the ballet. Rosetta (Vera Nemchinova on the left) and Prudenza (Lubov Tchernicheva on right) are seen on their balconies empty pitchers of water on the heads of their partners Caviello (Stanislas Idzikowski) and Florindo (Nikolas Zverev) below. As Beaumont described the scene 'At each window appear the objects of their infatuation: Rosetta in Pink, Pridenza in green. They lean over the sills and contemplate their admirers with half-amused, half disdainful smiles. Suddenly the ladies disappear, to return each with a pitcher, the contents of which they throw upon the unfortunate gallants below, who immediately withdraw in dismay. The ladies leave the windows.

Pulcinella was described as a ’ballet-opera in one act’ with music by Igor Stravinsky, after Giambattista Pergolesi , scenery, curtain and costumes by Pablo Picasso and choreography by Léonide Massine. It was first performed by the Ballets Russes on 15 May 1920 at the Théâtre National de l’Opéra, Paris and first seen in London on 10 June 1920 at the Royal Opera House

The story of this Ballet is based on extracts from a manuscript found in Naples, dated 1700, which contains numerous comedies, all with the traditional figure beloved of Neapolian theatres. The title of the comedy chosen is ‘The four Punchinellos’.
The country maidens are all in love with Pulcinella, and their betrothed, overcome with jealousy, plot to assassinate him. The day arrives when they hope to be revenged, and, disguising themselves in costumes resembling that of Pulcinella, they present themselves to their sweethearts. Pulcinella, the knave, however disguises himself as a magician. His friend impersonates him, and feigns to die from the blows dealt him by his enemies. Pulcinella runs to his friend’s succour.
The young men – believing that at last they have rid themselves of their rival – are about to return to their sweethearts, when the true Pulcinella makes his appearance, and arranges marriages for them all. He himself weds Pimpinella, and receives the blessings of his friend and impersonator, Fourbo, who, in his turn, dons the magician’s cloak.’