Tristano Martinelli

Tristano Martinelli (c. 1556 – 1630),[1] called Dominus Arlecchinorum,[2] the "Master of Harlequins", was an Italian actor in the commedia dell'arte tradition.

His character wore a linen costume of colourful patches, and a hare-tail on his cap to indicate cowardice, a black leather half-mask, a moustache and a pointed beard.

It is also plausible that Martinelli used a tail or plume to imitate the style of the Bergamask people native to the region where Arlecchino is typically depicted as being from.

[11] Martinelli's personality and the appeal of his character created tension with other players, particularly the Andreini, who felt that he was usurping the innamorati's traditional position at the top of the hierarchy.

Virginia Ramponi, a renowned actress in her own right, wrote to a Cardinal in 1611 to demand that Martinelli not be granted a license to create his own theatrical company, as she believed it would be purely self-serving.

[13] Martinelli returned in 1621 to play for the court of Louis XIII and remained in Paris through 1624, going so far as to accompany the King to Fontainebleau and back.