Four Singing Commedia Dell'Arte Characters c. early 18th century

This pen and ink drawing of Commedia Dell’Arte characters was made by Claude Gillot, sometime around the turn of the 18th century. Although it may seem simple, the drawing’s apparent spontaneity belies a foundation of skillful labor, based on a deep understanding of materials. Gillot has used the qualities of pen and ink to their full potential – economical lines describing lively figures, with deftly applied washes suggesting the fall of light. This drawing wasn’t conceived as a finished work, but rather as a study for a print. The figures would have been engraved into a copper plate, and printed in multiples on paper. This was a laborious, highly specialized craft, involving skill in metallurgy, toolmaking, and of course, the art of the engraver. Through the medium of printmaking, Gillot's characters would reach a wide audience, beyond the rarified sphere of painting. Ultimately, understanding the means of production helps us see beyond the image itself, and into the vibrant world of early modern image-making.