Pulcinella and Colombina 1682 - 1749

Alessandro Magnasco painted "Pulcinella and Colombina" with oil on canvas sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Magnasco lived during a period of significant social and political change in Europe. In this painting, Magnasco captures Pulcinella and Colombina, stock characters from the Italian Commedia dell'arte. Pulcinella, often portrayed as a cynical, witty, and sometimes melancholic figure, contrasts with Colombina, who is clever, quick-witted, and resourceful. Magnasco’s painting deviates from traditional representations of these characters, where Colombina is usually the object of desire. Here, the focus is on their interaction, hinting at the complexities of gender roles and relationships. The dark, moody atmosphere, combined with the characters’ somewhat disheveled appearances, creates a sense of unease. Through this intimate portrayal, Magnasco challenges the polished and idealized depictions of love and relationships common in the art of his time. The raw emotion and the unconventional setting invite us to reflect on the human condition, with all its imperfections and vulnerabilities.