Identification of sitter written on verso.
French verse printed below image.
Although most of the dressed prints in the library's collection were made between 1690 and 1710, the later date of the fabrics indicates that they were "dressed" some forty or fifty years later. The correct French term for the process is découpé. Its translation, literally "cut-out", gives some idea of what was involved. Portions of the print were cut out and faced from the reverse side with fabric corresponding to parts of the costume. What remained of the print was skillfully tinted with watercolor.
This is an engraving of a painting by F. de Troy.
Full-length portrait of Italian actor Angelo Constantini in the role of Mezzetin, which he created, standing, guesturing, facing left. His costume for this character, designed by Callot, was made up of a bonnet, ruff, jacket, stockings and cloak, all of striped cloth of different colors.