Perhaps the most iconic of the traditional masks belongs to the many characters of Harlequin – the poor man scrambling to survive and living by his wits. He is depicted as a loyal but sometimes naïve valet often in pursuit of Columbine, the servant girl of the house. Harlequin’s black half-mask has small eyeholes, symbolizing his narrow view of the world. The eyebrows are “quizzically arched,” as Britannica.com puts it, and his forehead is wrinkled.
Pierrot appears in Commedia della’arte as a kind but sad soul who dresses in black and white. One traditional mask appears in stark white with contrasting black or red lips -- much the way a version of the character would later appear when performed by contemporary mimes. For a lovelorn Pierrot, a sentimental black teardrop adorns one cheek.
The Commedia’s one rational character is Columbine, the wise and witty ladies’ maid. Though the onstage Columbine didn’t wear a mask, her character was subsequently depicted for costume balls with a lively, colorful half-mask that could take the shape of a cat. An even briefer version covers only her eyes for a more flirtatious appearance.
The character of Pulcinella, who appeared in various forms, began as a simple-minded servant – often portrayed as a hunchback – who evolved into a lovestruck soul sometimes depicted as an authority figure. A long, beaked nose highlights Pulcinella’s mask, which also may feature a large wart on the forehead. The character speaks in a high, chirping voice. These bird-like qualities hearken to his name, derived from the Italian “pulcino” (little chicken).
Capitano, the boastful soldier, is actually a coward who runs off at the first sign of danger. His mask is styled with “angry” brows and thick beak-like nose to create an impression of power – all the better to counterpoint his real character. Theater Masks.com describes the Capitano look as combining the features of a pig and an eagle.
Mardi Gras celebrations often feature the Court Jester, an 18th-century Venetian character who embodies high times with just a hint of danger. Various forms of this mask show Jester as smiling broadly; some smiles are offset by glaring, threatening eyes. The traditional jester’s headwear, with its triangular spikes, commonly appears on the mask; donkey ears or long, colorful strands may hang from the sides.