Two Pierrots

Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947)
20th century, Painted bronze and ivory, black veined marble base

Pierrot, a famous character from the commedia dell'arte, is accompanied here by his female counterpart, Pierrette. They lie in each other's arms and gaze fixedly into each other's eyes. Demetre Chiparus presents an Art Deco version of the couple Pierrot and Pierrette, using the iconic attire that dates back to the comic theatre of ancient Rome and later from the tradition of the Zanni characters of the commedia dell'arte: a long tunic (dark for Pierrot and embellished with floral motifs for Pierrette), a small black cap on the head, and a ruff at the neck.