A solid eighteen carat yellow gold, vitreous enamel stick pin set with a series of old mine cut diamonds making up a harlequin. This stunning and very rare pin is made from solid gold with vitreous enamel and has s series of old mine cut diamonds around the collar. The is the bust of harlequin. The quality is superb throughout, as one would expect from early Tiffany. Often these types of stick pins are one sided, and flat on the back. However, this fabulous piece of history is fully three dimensional and is enameled on both sides, and the collar of diamonds also extends all the way around the collar and hair is painted brown.
Harlequin, the iconic comic servant character from the Italian commedia dell'arte, is closely associated with the city of Bergamo. The role is believed to have been introduced by the Italian actor-manager Zan Ganassa in the late 16th century, and was later definitively popularized by the Italian actor Tristano Martinelli in Paris during 1584-1585. Harlequin became a stock character after Martinelli's death in 1630.
Harlequin is characterized by his distinctive checkered costume and is known for his light-hearted, nimble, and astute persona. As a servant, he often acts to thwart the plans of his master while pursuing his own love interest, Columbine, with wit and resourcefulness, frequently competing with the more melancholic Pierrot. Over time, Harlequin evolved into a prototype of the romantic hero.
The Harlequin character is derived from a mischievous "devil" character in medieval Passion Plays, inheriting his physical agility, trickster qualities, and name. The Harlequin first appeared in Bergamo, Italy, in the early 17th century and later became the central figure in the Harlequinade genre, which was developed in the early 18th century by John Rich. As the Harlequinade became integrated into the English dramatic genre of pantomime, Harlequin was often paired with the character of Clown. Under the development of Joseph Grimaldi around 1800, Clown became the mischievous and brutish foil to the more sophisticated Harlequin. The most influential portrayals of the Harlequin character in Victorian England were by William Payne and his sons, the Payne Brothers, who were active during the 1860s and 1870s.
The stick pin will look great through a lapel, scarf or perhaps a tie. This is a magnificent conversation piece to accessories any look, or a unique addition to any stick pin collection. The pin is marked on the side of the pin; Tiffany & Co. and has been tested as eighteen carat yellow gold. There is some slight damage to the enamel, but it does not distract overall from the beauty and splendor of the piece.
It is made in America, and dates circa 1920's, as early Tiffany & Co. was often made in eighteen carat gold.
