Harlequin Dressed as Columbine 1765 - 1785

This porcelain sculpture, produced by the Gardner Manufactory, presents a Harlequin figure dressed as Columbine, characters drawn from the Commedia dell'Arte tradition. The Commedia dell'Arte, which originated in Italy, was known for its masked characters and improvised performances. In this context, the Harlequin, traditionally a male servant, cross-dresses as Columbine, his female counterpart. This act challenges the rigid gender roles of the time, opening up a space for questioning societal norms. The mask and costume—vibrant and patterned—serve as a form of disguise but also as a means of exploring identity and performance. This sculpture invites us to consider how clothing and masquerade can be a method for social commentary. It captures a sense of playful ambiguity, reflective of the emotional complexities inherent in defying social expectations.