Het liedje van Arlekyn 1848 - 1881

This color print of ‘The Song of Harlequin’ was made by Lutkie & Cranenburg. Harlequin, with his origins in the Italian commedia dell'arte, emerges here not just as a figure of entertainment, but as a mirror reflecting society’s complex relationship with identity. Notice the diamond pattern of his costume, a mark of his otherness, but also a signifier of transformation and play. Does this jester embody freedom, existing outside the rigid structures of the time, or is he trapped by his role? Does the ‘song’ in the title offer a narrative, and how does it shape our understanding of his character and position? This image opens a window onto questions of performance, class, and the narratives we construct around those who, like Harlequin, stand slightly apart. It reminds us to look closely, listen attentively, and consider the many voices, seen and unseen, that shape our cultural landscape.