Petite Galerie Dramatique, 1796-1843, No. 396: Hypolite rôle Pierrot (...) 1796 - 1843

This hand-colored engraving from 1796 to 1843 depicts the actor Hypolite in the role of Pierrot, a character from French pantomime and theatre. The print offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of post-revolutionary France, where theatre and popular entertainment played a vital role in shaping social identity. Notice Hypolite's exaggerated costume and gestures, which were typical of the Commedia dell'arte tradition. Pierrot was often portrayed as a lovelorn, melancholic figure, a character that perhaps resonated with audiences navigating the complexities of love, loss, and social change. The artist is unknown. This anonymity might reflect the broader context of printmaking at the time, where the focus was often on the subject matter rather than the individual artist's identity. The image also offers a glimpse into the culinary habits of the time, with the wine bottles and fruit arranged on the table. The text below the image translates to "Here I am finally arrived at this moment after which I have been sighing for a long time, two bottles of red and white wine, they will both pass." It invites us to consider the relationship between performance, identity, and the everyday rituals of eating and drinking. The piece is both emotionally resonant and highly personal.