Romeinse polichinelle in vastenavondkostuum

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, midden onder, naar links: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Behold *Romeinse polichinelle in vastenavondkostuum* (Roman Polichinelle in Shrovetide Costume), a captivating pen drawing by French architect and draughtsman Charles Louis Clérisseau (1731–1820). Measuring 310 × 199 mm, this sheet exemplifies Clérisseau's masterful use of pen on paper, a medium he employed for precise, evocative sketches during his time in Rome. The verso bears a collector's mark (Lugt 2228), underscoring its provenance and appeal to connoisseurs. The title evokes the lively world of commedia dell'arte, with "Polichinelle"—a variant of the mischievous Pulcinella character—dressed for vastenavond, the exuberant Shrovetide or Carnival season preceding Lent. Clérisseau, renowned for his neoclassical views of Roman antiquities and architectural fantasies, here blends historical Roman motifs with festive theatricality, showcasing his versatility beyond pure architecture. Created amid the 18th-century Grand Tour era, when artists flocked to Italy for inspiration, this work highlights the cultural fusion of ancient grandeur and popular entertainment. Its intricate pen lines capture movement and costume details, inviting visitors to imagine the masked revelry of Rome's streets—a delightful glimpse into Enlightenment-era whimsy.