Arlequino, 2024

Arlequino, within the Italian Commedia dell'arte relates  medieval societal fears to the modern era though character; in study, Arlequino(Harlequin) represents the fear of the other:  xenophobia, specifically of the African, the French, Muslims (Moors), or any of which that could have been seen as a threat to the northern territories of the Mediterranean sea, where this genre is credited to have originated during the 13th century.

Arlequino and his variations are armed with physical strength, tact, and cunning which are conveniently nullified by his playful and carefree demeanor. His breadth of attributes are tied to his desires which we find within a sloven mind, where lust, greed, avarice harpoons his potential success. Again his form is always drapped in raged clothes that are patched and covering the abjection of empoverished set.

Often with the Commedia dell'arte Arlequino speaks the truth, his intent and awareness are akin to the jester or a comic whom can access the upper monarchy without holding back. His playful nature and ragged appearance  render him immobile and non threatening. His implied status within the genre presents him within his society as a vagabond, a foreigner a miscreant who entertains yet gains access to the upper echelons of Italian court by the means of his wit. His words fall flat and become limp as the schemes that he creates fail to come to completion.  where the fear of his power would be seen clever deception are in play to maintain a level of security that affords access and security.