The artwork titled “Polichinelle” was painted by Edouard Manet in 1873 in Paris, France. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting is part of the Realism art movement, measured at 50.2 x 34.6 cm, classified under the literary painting genre, and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a solitary figure dressed in a colorful and elaborate outfit, traditionally associated with the character Polichinelle from the Italian commedia dell’arte. The character is adorned in a costume of patchwork colors consisting of red, blue, yellow, and green, complimented by rich trimmings and a ruffled white collar. The figure’s pose is dynamic and theatrical, with one arm raised gracefully, suggesting a gesture of performance. The background is muted and simple, which further accentuates the vivid and intricate details of the costume, drawing the viewer’s attention to the character’s expressive demeanor. The painterly technique, characterized by visible brushstrokes, imparts a sense of immediacy and liveliness to the scene, typical of Manet’s approach to capturing the essence of his subjects.
