Harlekijn en twee narren maken muziek 1728

This undated print depicts Harlequin and two jesters making music, by an anonymous artist. Here, we see three figures rendered in a sparse, linear style that reflects the era's burgeoning interest in capturing and disseminating images widely. The figures are arranged in a simple composition. The central character, possibly representing Harlequin, is distinguished by his black face and violin, while the others sport distinct attire and musical instruments. Prints like these circulated widely, helping to codify and spread the visual language of comedy in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Commedia dell'arte, with its stock characters and improvised scenarios, was a vital part of popular culture across Europe at the time. By examining playbills, theatre records, and costume designs, we might better understand the cultural context in which this print was made and consumed, and the degree to which the artist conformed to, or deviated from, established conventions.