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Charlotte Mason Picture Study Aid Antoine Watteau

The Italian Comedians

probably 1720
oil on canvas
63.8 x 76.2 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
KEY TOPICS:

• The scene depicted appears to be a stage with a cast of characters from the Italian commedia

dell’arte in the foreground and a backdrop that includes curved walls leading to a door
opening on to a courtyard or garden. To the right is a red curtain, presumably for the

stage. 15,16

• The piece comprises 15 figures, some of which Watteau used in several other works. It

includes Pierrot (later known as Gilles) as the central figure. To Pierrot’s left is possibly
Flaminia, the object of his affection (though she rejects him), and on his right is Harlequin

in his black mask and diamond-patterned costume with Columbine to his right. Mezzetin

can be seen in his floppy hat and cape on the far left. On the far right is most likely Il

Dottore, the doctor character from the commedia who is normally depicted as older and
dressed all in black. In the lower left is a generic jester holding a staff with a fool’s head (or

marotte) wrapped in roses and bells. 15,16,17

• Pierrot, a clownish character who is known for not being very bright, is usually to be found
pining for Columbine who often rejects him for Harelquin.
18

15 (Cowart)
16 (National Gallery of Art)
17 (Heck and Erenstein)
18 (Green and Swan)

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