Capitano grande 1598

This is a print called "Capitano Grande" by Christoph Krieger. The title suggests that this is a figure from the Commedia dell'arte, a popular form of improvisational theatre that originated in Italy. These characters were often stock types, instantly recognizable to the audience. This Capitano, or Captain, is one of those recognizable archetypes, a pompous, boastful soldier, often cowardly in reality. Prints such as this one offer a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time. They were a means of disseminating images and ideas, serving as a form of mass media. The Commedia dell'arte itself was a social phenomenon, often performed in public spaces, and satirizing aspects of contemporary society. To understand the cultural significance of this print, we can turn to theatre history, costume studies, and social histories of early modern Europe. Through careful research, we can begin to understand how the Capitano Grande reflected and shaped the perceptions of its audience.