 |
Halfsheet vintage French poster titled
"Wissembourg, Polichinelle N°4". This character is the French variant of the classic Italian Commedia dell'arte figure, Pulcinella.
Character Information
Character Name: Polichinelle in French, or Pulcinella in Italian.
Origin: The character originated in 17th-century Italian improvised theater (Commedia dell'arte) and became a popular stock character in Neapolitan puppetry.
Appearance: Traditionally, he is depicted as a hunchback with a large potbelly, a long, hooked nose (which led to the nickname "chick"), and a characteristic pointed hat. His costume is often white, though the French version, as seen in the image, sometimes featured rich colors and a feathered plume.
Personality: Polichinelle is typically portrayed as a rogue, a cunning schemer, and a social climber motivated by self-interest and a need for food. In French adaptations, the character sometimes developed into a rowdy braggart and impenitent liar. He is also the inspiration for the English character Mr. Punch of the famous Punch and Judy puppet shows. |
|
|
