Model Number: S 123
Modeled c.1898 by Paul Helmig after a drawing by Maurice Sand, 1860.

Commedia dell’arte is a theatrical form characterized by improvised dialogue and a cast of colorful stock characters that emerged in northern Italy in the fifteenth century and rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe.Each character of the commedia evolved a distinct set of attributes—characteristic speech, gestures, props, and costume that became standard to the portrayal of the character. Most characters wore masks, a tradition deriving from ancient Roman comedies.

Usually wears a headdress as part of his costume. The character was well-known enough in Italy that ‘coviello’ became a term for a boastful idiot. His actual character can be variable, and many traditional scenarios and plays portray him as quite smart. His primary qualities are conceit and bluntness — he never fears to call a spade a spade.
Coviello makes a lot of grimaces, dances, and plays mandolin or guitar.