Italian Commedians

The theatrical tradition known as commedia dell’arte originated in northern Italy in the 1550s and soon spread throughout Europe. Its influence can be seen in the comedies of writers such as William Shakespeare and Molière. French artist (Jean) Antoine Watteau’s painting of a commedia dell’arte performance shows some of the standard characters used in the improvisational farces created by a typical commedia troupe.

THE BETTMANN ARCHIVE/Corbis

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Watteau, (Jean) Antoine; Commedia dell'Arte

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