Six Studies of Commedia dell'Arte Actors: Polchinelle, Columbine, Pierrot, a Captain, Harlequin "en femme," and Scaramouche

early 18th century

Claude Gillot

Associated Names
Claude Gillot

Artist, French, 1673 - 1722

The image shows six costumed figures in a theatrical scene. Each character is dressed in elaborate and varied costumes. The first figure wears a feathered hat and extends an arm. The second figure wears a dress with lace and buttons. The third figure wears simple clothing. The fourth figure wears a cape and a feathered hat. The fifth figure wears a long-nosed mask and flowing robes. The sixth figure is elegantly posed, holding fabric and wearing intricate detailing. The background is simple, emphasizing the figures.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with gray wash over graphite on laid paper, irregularly trimmed and laid down on a sheet touched with faded blue watercolor, on an old album sheet; partially incised for transfer

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Donald Stone

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 7.7 × 16 cm (3 1/16 × 6 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2022.40.18

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

From an album (probably compiled in the 19th century) discovered in a private collection outside Paris c. 2004[1]; (Galerie de Bayser, Paris); purchased by 2006 by Donald Stone, New York [1942- 2020]; bequest to NGA, 2022.
[1] See Jennifer Tonkovich, "A New Album of Theater Drawings by Claude Gillot." Master Drawings 44, no. 4 (Winter, 2006): 464.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2006

  • Tonkovich, Jennifer. "A New Album of Theater Drawings by Claude Gillot." Master Drawings 44, no. 4 (Winter, 2006): no. 27, fig. 38

Inscriptions

upper left in pen and black ink: XII

You may be interested in

Loading Results