Harlequin (Anno Domini 1666) (Swords of Light and Darkness)

Hello!

I back to Anno Domini 1666 miniatures painting! Today one of my favorite character of the drama (nomen omen!).

Newly painted Harlequin.
I added some color to him, but I guess it's not that bad 🙂

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Harlequin is a mysterious Italian assassin. Those who know him say he was once an ordinary actor performing in street commedia dell'arte performances.
He traveled throughout Italy with his young wife and a troupe of comedians.
However, when the plague broke out in Naples ten years ago, Harlequin's world collapsed.
Strict quarantines deprived the comedians of their livelihood. To obtain this, Harlequin turned to criminal activity.

Initially, he engaged in petty theft to support his family, but when his wife fell ill and the doctors demanded a fortune for their services, Harlequin accepted an offer from a young star of the criminal world, Elena di Mandragone. However, all was to no avail.
His wife died, and Harlequin himself only descended into greater madness.
Others say that his wife didn't die at all, but was killed during a raid organized by the city guard.
Harlequin eluded the pursuers, but his wife, weakened by illness and pregnancy, was captured and unable to withstand the rigors of confinement in the city dungeons.

Still others say this is a lie and that there never was a wife. Harlequin himself was said to have contracted the plague, which disfigured his face so much that he can no longer appear without his mask. To make matters worse, he suffered paralysis, and his facial muscles were frozen in a perpetual, ghastly smile.

The truth is difficult to determine. Harlequin himself tells a different story each time.
Despite his madness, Harlequin is an effective killer. Disguised as a comedian, he can easily get close to an unsuspecting victim.
His wooden stage sword conceals a steel blade inside. Harlequin has sewn a chainmail shirt into his costume.
He may not be an exceptional swordsman, but in addition to the element of surprise, he uses his left-handedness in combat...