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The Harlequin is the best-known comic servant character from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte. The role is believed to have first been introduced in the 16th century. We all know Harlequin and have seen this character in his chequered costume in a performance somewhere over the years. We’ve laughed along as he light-heartedly played his jokes on us as an audience and on his masters on stage as well.
The role of Harlequin is traditionally believed to have been introduced by Zanni Ganassa in the late 16th century. It was definitively popularized by the Italian actor Tristano Martinelli in Paris in 1584–1585. And became a stock character after Martinelli’s death in 1630.
The Harlequin is characterized by his chequered costume. His role is that of a light-hearted, nimble, and astute servant. Often acting to thwart the plans of his master.
Harlequin inherits his physical agility and his trickster qualities, as well as his name, from a mischievous “devil” character in medieval passion plays.
The House of Harlequin (in Italian, Casa di Arlecchino) is a museum dedicated to the famous character.
It is located in the medieval village of Oneta, at the beginning of the Val Taleggio, in the province of Bergamo, in Lombardy, Italy.
The historic territory of Oneta, like that of the current province of Bergamo, was on the borders of the Republic of Venice.
According to folklore, the character who inspired the mask of Harlequin was born in the palace of Oneta.
The Arlecchino House Museum is located inside this palace. The Palazzo Grataroli.
The name “Casa di Arlecchino” (House of the Harlequin), as the small palace in the village is commonly known, is linked to many folklore stories. None of which can, in fact, be proven by historic documents.
Still, thousands of curious individuals travel to the little, remote village every year to see the birthplace of the traditional Harlequin character.
The palace museum retains a selection of masks of the characters of the Commedia dell’Arte. And has hosted, since 2015, a permanent puppet theatre of the Compagnia del Riccio, where short stories are staged during guided tours or for special events.
The building that now houses the museum is of medieval origin and probably had a defensive function for the village, located along the Via Mercatorum.
It became a stately home between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, when it was bought and renovated by the powerful local Grataroli family.
They possessed great wealth which they had acquired in Venice. And when they returned home to Oneta, they brought Venice’s architectural influence with them.
Thus, their palace is the only example of Venetian architecture in Brembana Valley.
The area around Oneta which is nowadays called Bergamo is a beautiful, secluded corner of our planet and well worth a visit. Most corners in Italy are.
So, if you are interested in the history of the Harlequin and, by extension, in the history of clowns and tricksters, then do plan a trip to this beautiful place one day. You won’t regret it!
Official Website Casa di Arlecchino
Atlas Obscura article on Casa Museo di Arlecchino
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Liam Klenk was born in Central Europe and has since lived on four continents. Liam has always been engaged in creative pursuits, ranging from photography and graphic design, to writing short stories and poetry, to working in theatre and shows. In 2016, Liam published his first book and memoir, 'Paralian'.
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