Titelpagina voor Les deux arlequins, in Le Théâtre Italien de Gherardi, Parijs 1700. 1694 - 1700

This engraving by Franz Ertinger was made in Paris around 1700 as the title page for a volume of Gherardi’s Italian Theater. It depicts stock characters from the popular Commedia dell'Arte: Harlequin, Columbine, and Pierrot, along with the older characters Geronte and Isabelle. The Commedia dell'Arte was a form of improvisational theater that originated in Italy in the 16th century, and by the 18th century, it had spread throughout Europe. This print testifies to the popularity of Italian theater in France at the time, however, it also demonstrates the institutionalization of art. The standardization of characters suggests that the art form was becoming codified and commercialized for a wider audience. This print offers a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of early 18th-century Paris. By examining related playbills, theater records, and critical reviews, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the Commedia dell'Arte was received and interpreted by audiences of the time. This helps us better understand the role of art in society and the complex interplay between artistic expression and social context.