Commedia dell-Arte: Meissen porcelain and the depiction of masked comedy

This curatorial talk explores the depiction of the Commedia dell'Arte in ceramics, including famous comedy characters Harlequin and Pulcinella.

+44 (0)20 7942 2000
  • Meeting Point, Grand Entrance

  • Free event

Commedia dell-Arte: Meissen porcelain and the depiction of masked comedy photo

The Commedia dell'Arte, or 'artistic comedy' was the popular improvised type of comedy which flourished in Europe in the 16th to the 18th centuries. It relied on the performers' ability for improvisation and ensured their popularity with a mixture of knockabout comedy, acrobatic leaping and romance. Learn more in this curatorial talk, as part of 'Comedy in the V&A Collections: A Series of Gallery Talks', exploring the V&A's collection of ceramic comedy characters.