Polichinelle - Édouard Manet

A 1874 lithograph by Édouard Manet depicting the mischievous commedia dell'arte character Polichinelle, hand-coloured with traditional theatrical hues.

This lithograph depicts the traditional commedia dell'arte character Polichinelle, a figure known for his mischievous and often abrasive nature. Édouard Manet produced this work in 1874, employing a combination of lithographic printing and hand-applied watercolour. The figure is shown in profile, wearing the iconic tall hat and ruffled collar associated with the character. His posture is slightly hunched, and he carries a staff behind his back, suggesting a sense of secretive movement or impending trickery. Manet uses a palette of primary colours, including red, blue, and green, which are applied with a degree of transparency that allows the underlying printed lines to remain visible. The composition is clean and focused entirely on the figure, set against a plain background. This lack of environmental detail directs the viewer's attention to the character's expressive face and costume. The text at the bottom of the print includes a verse by Théodore de Banville, which describes the character as fierce and impudent, capturing the spirit of the theatrical archetype. This print was originally intended for a wider audience and reflects Manet's interest in popular culture and the theatre. The work demonstrates his ability to adapt his style for print media while maintaining the spontaneity of his brushwork. The lines are fluid and confident, characteristic of his graphic output during this period. By choosing such a recognisable figure, Manet engages with a long history of European caricature and performance art. The piece remains a clear example of how the artist balanced his professional fine art practice with the demands of commercial illustration in nineteenth-century Paris.