De vermakelijke Arlequin 1833 - 1856

Glenisson & Van Genechten created this print of "De vermakelijke Arlequin," or "The Entertaining Harlequin," using engraving and etching. It captures a popular character from the Commedia dell'arte, a form of Italian theater that flourished from the 16th century. Harlequin, with his checkered costume and mischievous nature, often played the role of a clever servant, challenging social norms through satire. The artists represent him in a way that makes a cultural commentary. He’s grinning, but it's a very broad and very white grin. This print invites us to think about the cultural narratives around performance and identity and whether this popular figure maintains traditional representations or whether the artist develops alternative narratives to explore societal issues. It makes you wonder about the emotional dimensions of play and how identity becomes a mask.