Pierrot, Colombina and Harlequin are three characters in a love triangle based on a 16th century Italian comedy. Pierrot has an unrequited love for Colombina and she is in love with Harlequin.
The three are employees of a rich and traditional Italian family and make a social satire of the time. The story became popular and inspires carnival costumes around the world.
| Pierrot | colombina | Harlequin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | He is the baker of the house and the poorest of servants. In love with Colombina, he doesn't have the courage to declare his love for her. | The maid of the house, lives divided between the pure love of Pierrot and her passion for Harlequin. | He is an employee, smart, lazy and insolent. He keeps playing pranks on everyone and stealing kisses. In one of those stolen kisses, he conquers Colombina and they live a loving relationship. |
| Costumes | White clothes with black details and, on the face, the traditional painting of the sad clown. |
Beautiful and lush clothes to try to get Harlequin's attention. | Harlequin's outfit has a traditional diamond pattern (color or black and white). His costume has influenced clowns all over the world. |
The characters have their origins in Commedia dell'Arte Italian, a kind of popular theater staged in the streets for the public that did not have access to the big theaters.
Pierrot
Pierrot is the sad clown, in Commedia dell'Arte he lived a platonic love for Colombina, not having the courage to declare himself, he kept flowers and wrote letters and did not send them.
Therefore, he is often depicted with tears on his face, a flower or a note in his hands. Usually, her outfit is white with black accents. Pierrot, originally called Pedrolino, but the French translation has become more popular.
In Brazil, it is common for carnival songs and marches to narrate about Pierrot's love disappointments. as in the famous song sung by Noel Rosa:
Pierrot in love, who lived only singing, ended up crying because of a colombine.
colombina
Colombina was the maid of the daughter of the merchant of Venice, Pantaleon. A friend of Pierrot, not knowing that he had a hidden love for her, she was enchanted by Harlequin's adventures and fell in love.
It was common, in Commedia dell'Arte, that Columbine sing and dance to get Harlequin's attention.
During Carnival, the colombina-inspired costumes are very traditional, mixing the various colors present in the festivities with women's clothing of the time. It is common for columbine to use a mask in addition to face painting.
Harlequin
Unlike Pierrot, Harlequin represents joy and fun. This can be seen from their colorful costumes that have inspired clowns across the world.
In the traditional story, Harlequin was a mischievous and mischievous servant in the household of Pantaleon. He used to make fun of all the characters, juggling and acrobatics.
He was also a known thief of kisses, for one of these stolen kisses, he became involved in a romance with Colombina.
Her costume presents a composition made of patchwork or colored fabrics. Traditionally, the Harlequin costume has diamond shapes.
See also the difference between:
- emotion and feeling
