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Lot Essay
Executed in 1986, the present work is a study for the advertisement of the classic Italian ballet, Pulcinella, which toured the United Kingdom from 1987 to 1988 and featured music from Igor Stravinsky. Pulcinella is based on one of the original characters seen in commedia dell’arte, an early form of professional theatre extremely popular throughout Europe, dating back to the 16th century. As a character, Pulcinella was known for being witty and sensual with a grotesque form. Depending on the production, he could either be portrayed as a servant or master. In this production, the story tells of a love affair between Pulcinella and the jealousy that arises between a group of friends whose love lives become intertwined.
In addition to designing the advertisements for the show, Hodgkin also designed the costumes and the set with his backdrops mimicking his distinctive style of abstraction. The costumes remained simple, often single colours pulling from the displays around them. Hodgkin focused mainly on blues and reds for rich contrasts with block-like compositions.
Another typical characteristic of costume design in commedia dell’arte ballets were masks covering the eyes and nose. Often showcasing complex designs, the masks would be dark and fit close to the face, accentuating the nose as the most prominent feature. Hodgkin references this feature in the present work, with a rather simple mask as the focal point and an abstracted blue triangle underneath it, likely acting as the nose. Meanwhile, the layered colours of the background create a collage effect with rectangular forms which, like the colours found throughout the ballet, contrast the curved lines of the mask, further emphasising its significance. Original design for Pulcinella poster combines the world of art and theatre in an engaging collage that harnesses modern design whilst celebrating the ballet’s storied past.
We are very grateful to Guy Robertson for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry. This work will be included in the upcoming catalogue raisonné of Howard Hodgkin works on paper.
In addition to designing the advertisements for the show, Hodgkin also designed the costumes and the set with his backdrops mimicking his distinctive style of abstraction. The costumes remained simple, often single colours pulling from the displays around them. Hodgkin focused mainly on blues and reds for rich contrasts with block-like compositions.
Another typical characteristic of costume design in commedia dell’arte ballets were masks covering the eyes and nose. Often showcasing complex designs, the masks would be dark and fit close to the face, accentuating the nose as the most prominent feature. Hodgkin references this feature in the present work, with a rather simple mask as the focal point and an abstracted blue triangle underneath it, likely acting as the nose. Meanwhile, the layered colours of the background create a collage effect with rectangular forms which, like the colours found throughout the ballet, contrast the curved lines of the mask, further emphasising its significance. Original design for Pulcinella poster combines the world of art and theatre in an engaging collage that harnesses modern design whilst celebrating the ballet’s storied past.
We are very grateful to Guy Robertson for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry. This work will be included in the upcoming catalogue raisonné of Howard Hodgkin works on paper.