Note on Art

Note on Art

A commentary from LeRoy Neiman on commedia dell'arte character, Brighella.

This note from LeRoy Neiman looks at commedia dell'arte character, Brighella. Brighella, coming out of Zanni (the stock servant), is a middle class figure marked by preternatural lust, greediness, and a propensity to tell falsehoods; overall, he is somewhat Machiavellian. Neiman had a profound interest in commedia dell'arte, making much work on Venice and harlequins. This document is then not indicative of a particular interest on part of the artist, but instead part of a larger inquiry into this theatrical tradition.

LeRoy Neiman

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

c. 1990-2011

LeRoy Neiman

Property of the LeRoy Neiman Foundation; please consult the organization's archivist for further details.

Notes

Image/jpeg

English

Document

LN_Notes_2085

New York (N.Y.) New York

Pleasure pursued Purchased Pleasure
pristine – tony gathering
the crown jewel in the glittering tiara
His wit of mercurial character
{BRIGHELLA
Brighella (olive half-masked)
To Brighella 16th c. money does not mean power
money is worth only the pleasure it provides and in this
respect he is more logical and human than the miserly merchant Panteloon.
Brighella He (comes upon) finds an object before its owner has lost it.
When he is compelled to travel – it is (because it is necessary) to flee.
The importance of the liar’s lies like him – self
are more (slight) then damaging
A rare gift for singing and scraping the cat-gut.
I would like to (be) the lucky [?] to measure such a charming figure.
Misfit – Left handed gondolier (violinist)
It was as much out of keeping as a left handed gondolier in Venice waterway.
It was another third down and short yardage situation
Now we have long yardage
The situation is now to punt

Pen, red ballpoint pen, and colored pencil on paper.