The legends of one of the traditional Neapolitan figures
Italy is a country where the ancient traditions that originated in certain regions, but which then spread throughout the country, are still alive today. One of these is the one concerning the traditional Neapolitan legend of Pulcinella. Here we tell you the story of the origin of this mask and it’s uses throughout history. You can also find out where the name came from and about the clothing that makes up the costume, as well as some of the actors who have played this character over the years.
Its origins
The mask as it is known today was born in the second half of 1500, created by Silvio Fiorillo and it featured a character with a bicorn hat and a thick mustache and beard; these disappeared in 1800 when Antonio Petito presented his Pulcinella in the version which has reached the present day: a large white shirt, a cone shaped hat and a black mask with a long, hooked nose.
He is one of the first characters born with the advent and popularity of the Commedia dell’Arte.
However, its origin is much older and it is still uncertain today. One of the theories is that it refers to a farmer from Acerra called Puccio D’Aniello who, in 1600 joined a company of wanderers passing through the village as a buffoon. Others see in Pulcinella a revisitation of Maccus, a character of the Roman Atells of the fourth century B. C. a very popular show at the time.
Image Source: theWise Magazine
His name and His costume
But there is more, Fiorillo was inspired as is known by the figure of the farmer of Acerra. Even today, this mask still embodies popular and peasant astuteness, able to bring out a smile, the character who regularly gets himself into trouble. In the metaphor, he represents the answer that the common people could give to the abuses they were subjected to by the rich and powerful. Pulcinella is not without faults, indeed, but he reflects the desire for revenge of those who are born less fortunate and, ironically, teases those in power. For this universal message, in various eras, he has also been popular abroad and from him various characters derived others such as Polichinelle in France and Punch in England.
The origins of the name are uncertain. One theory is that it comes from a mispronunciation of a widespread surname of the time in the city of Naples, but most likely it is a contraction of Puccio d’Aniella and, for some historians, the nose in the shape of a beak was inspired by the name which recalls a chick.
Pulcinella in theatrical comedy and puppet theater
Pulcinella was used by Fiorillo in the theatrical comedy he wrote in 1609. This was published only in 1632 after the death of the author. His representation brings back to life a character already present in the Neapolitan tradition. The character has also developed within the puppet theater. In these vicissitudes he is the servant of Mangiafuoco, who he rebels against after being accused of wrongdoing.
The famous characters who have interpreted him
Throughout history there have been some characters who have made the mask famous. Andrea Calcese is considered as the first Pulcinella in history as he was a student of the creator Fiorillo. Another actor who made this figure popular was Michelangelo Fracanzani who used the character in his Parisian comedies. Finally, Filippo Cammarano must also be mentioned. He was a pulcinella much appreciated by King Ferdinand II.
The legends about the origins of this symbolic mask of Naples are many and are passed down through the centuries. If you want to know other stories about the tradition of the region I suggest you read this article too. Now that you know the traditional mask of Pulcinella you just have to get yourself a costume.
