Exhibition Preview: Bruce Rowland

COLLECTION | Italian Commedia Mask (Arlecchino)

Purchased in 2006, in Florence, from the workshop and shop of maskmaker Professor Agostino Dessi, who is regarded as one of the best maskmakers in Italy.

Part of an extensive collection of masks from Italy, Bali, and Japan to name a few, and one of four masks from the Commedia dell’Arte in the collection, which are often used as props in numerous paintings and etchings, one example of which you can see below.

Italian Commedia Mask (Arlecchino), Leather, 2002, purchased 2006, from the collection of Bruce Rowland

COLLECTOR | Bruce Rowland

Long-time art educator, member of the Newcastle Art community, painter, printmaker and former head teacher of Newcastle Art School.

On the personal significance of this piece from his collection, Bruce Rowland writes “For many years I’ve had an interest in the Commedia Dell’Arte after attending a mime workshop and being introduced to this historically significant art form.”

Bruce Rowland, If the Mask Fits, 2010, etching on paper, 14.5x14.5cm, image courtesy of Cooks Hill Galleries

HISTORY | This mask is an exceptionally high quality example of a performance mask. The mask is of the character “Arlecchino” (Harlequin) from the Commedia Dell’Arte. It has been made using traditional techniques for making leather masks. These masks are highly sought after by actors and mime artists.

This mask is fashioned on the traditional mask of Arlecchino which dates back to the 16^th Century, to days when the Commedia Dell’Arte players would wear various masks to portray the characters in early theatrical productions. The commedia Dell’Arte is considered to be the foundation stone of European theatre and is still practiced to this day.

Bruce Rowland has kindly allowed us to display four beautiful specimens from his collection of masks, including an antique Balinese dance mask, an antique traditional Japanese Noh Theatre mask, and two examples from the Commedia dell’Arte. To see the rest and find out more, visit us at the Front Room Gallery, June 6 – 21.