This lead figure of Punch – Pulcinella of 16th-century Italian commedia dell’arte fame – derives from the traditional British marionette show, Punch and Judy. First mentioned by Samuel Pepys in his diary, 9 May 1662, it is a show regularly performed ever since - not only in Britain, but also Paris and the American colonies in the 18th-century.  This example has the distinguishing features of this well-known character: the hooked nose, jutting chin, large belly and his famous stick or club. The jester’s costume is typical and the figure has an over-all weathered patina.

Height – 41 “     Width – 20 “     Depth – 17 “

Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Arthur Ochs “Punch” Sulzberger Sr. Publisher of The New York Times 1963-1992.

Illustrated:  T. Crowther & Son, London: Trade Catalogue, n/d, Page 95.