Joseph Willems (1845-1910), "Pedrolino"

A character from the commedia dell'arte and ancestor of the French Pierrot, in a lively and theatrical expression.

Joseph Willems (1845–1910)
Pedrolino
1884
Bronze, lost-wax casting
Compagnie des Bronzes, Brussels
H. 57 cm
Signed and dated J. Willems 1884, titled Pedrolino

With Pedrolino, Joseph Willems draws upon the world of the commedia dell’arte to create a remarkable character study. Derived from the Pedrolino of the Italian theatrical tradition, a naïve and sensitive servant from whom the figure of Pierrot would later develop, the character is treated here less as a conventional theatrical type than as a compelling human presence.

Willems focuses particular attention on facial expression. The broad smile, lively gaze and deeply modelled features give the figure an immediate sense of animation. The subtle modelling of the face, wrinkles and movements of the mouth reveal the sculptor’s keen interest in physiognomy and psychological expression. The soft cap and imposing pleated ruff firmly place Pedrolino within the theatrical tradition.

The work belongs to a series of character busts developed by Willems in collaboration with the Compagnie des Bronzes in Brussels during the early 1880s. The foundry archives record several related models from 1882 onwards, including Triboulet, Bouffon, Pedrolino and L’Oiseleur. At 57 cm high, the present bronze corresponds to the large version of Pedrolino.

The connection with Triboulet, Le Fol du Roy is particularly well documented: in October 1898, Willems’s correspondence with the Compagnie des Bronzes records the joint shipment of both busts to St Petersburg for the First Belgian Exhibition of Fine Arts, St Petersburg–Moscow (1898–1899).

Signed and dated “J. Willems 1884”, this example was cast during the artist’s lifetime by the Compagnie des Bronzes, Brussels.