Pulcinella 1726 - 1782

Peter Cramer rendered this Pulcinella with pen and wash around the 18th century. This figure, with its distinctive mask and humpback, isn't merely a character but a vessel of collective memory. Pulcinella, originating from the commedia dell'arte, embodies the spirit of the trickster, a figure as old as storytelling itself. We see echoes of him in the mischievous Hermes of Greek myth or the wily Reynard of medieval fables. This archetype resurfaces across cultures, a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with those who subvert norms and challenge authority. Consider the image of the fool; in some cultures, this figure holds sacred status, a conduit to the divine through absurdity. The jester's cap and bells, like Pulcinella's mask, serve as potent symbols, unlocking a space for transgression and catharsis. The motif evolves, each era imbuing it with new layers of meaning, reflecting our ever-shifting relationship with power, humor, and the human condition.