The story of Pierrot, Columbine and Harlequin is one that is said to have originated in Turkey some 4000 years ago, but rose to popularity during its appearance in the Commedia del Arte during the Italian Renaissance. The story was fashioned to Parisian tastes by Jean-Gaspard Debureau, a Bohemian-French actor and mime who popularized the Pierrot character through his silent mimes. The story of Pierrot is one of unrequited love. Pierrot is often seen as a moonstruck, naive and foolish character who pines after the lovely Columbine. Eventually, she betrays him and leaves him for Harlequin. Pierrot is also found in the popular French song Au Clair de la Lune.
I created this piece for Seven Gypsies using a Pierrot-like vintage image, along with some of their new Barcelona papers, ATC decoratif chipboard and a Seven Gypsies parenthesis shaped chipboard piece. I painted gesso over the papers to tone the colors down. I also fashioned a fabric flower from a napkin printed with french words and glittered up the fabric edges with glass glitter, using a miniature Seven Gypsies vintage frame as a center for the flower. Included above is the image I used in this piece. Feel free to use it for your own projects along with the additional images below - they'd be great for halloween or birthday projects, as the Pierrot costume has long been popular. Enjoy!
Love these images; thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Theresa in MS | September 13, 2009 at 01:37 AM
I love the Birthday Fairy...thanks for sharing the lovely images!
Posted by: Linda | September 13, 2009 at 07:45 PM
I love these old postcards - Pierrot and Pierrette are so charming.
Thanks.
Posted by: Valerie | January 14, 2010 at 05:10 PM
Thanks!
juno
xx
Juno's Place
Cards by Carol
Come on over to my place for some freebies in return ;)
Posted by: juno | February 08, 2010 at 02:03 PM