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Opera de Pupi has been a long revered art form based out of southern Italy since the 1800s. Artisans created detailed puppets based on characters popular in literature, tales and farces and animated them in skits. Unfortunately, the art form began to decline with the invention of film. Today original puppets from the 1800s and early 1900s are highly sought after as there are not many that come up on market.
This is an absolutely stunning example of an early Italian Opera de Pupi marionette. This puppet is hand carved out of wood, hand painted and fitted with realistic glass eyes. The puppet dawns a heavy set of metal armor including a helmet with face plate, a shield and sword sheath. There is a metal rod attached to the head and one of the arms that controls the movement of the puppet.
Because of the more feminine features of this puppet we like to think of it as a depiction of Joan of Arc. While tales of knights were very popular in Opera de Pupi, we may actually never know who this puppet truly depicts though it is fun to let your imagination run wild!
Additional Details
Date: Late 1800s/early 1900s
Materials: Wood, metal, cotton
Measurements: Puppet 16 1/2" x 5 1/2", Metal Rods 18"& 19"
Markings: None
Condition: Good. This puppet does have overall wear from use and age. There is minor paint loss to the face and hand. The puppet is missing its sword. There is fraying to the fabric particularly along the edge of both sleeve cuffs. Despite these flaws, the puppet shows beautiful and truly shows its age and use throughout the years.
