The 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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The Harlequin is a mysterious Italian assassin. Those who know him say that he used to be an ordinary actor in street commedia dell ‘arte performances.

He traveled around Italy with his young wife and a troupe of comedians. But when the plague broke out in Naples 10 years ago, Harlequin’s world collapsed.

A strict quarantine deprived the comedians of their livelihood. In order to get money, the Harlequin set his foot on the criminal path.
Initially, he dealt in petty thefts to support his family, but when his wife fell ill and the medics requested a fortune for their services, the Harlequin accepted an offer from a young star of the criminal world – Elena di Mandragone.
But it was all in vain.
His wife died, and the Harlequin himself went mad. Others say that his wife did not die at all, but was caught during a raid organized by the city guard.
The Harlequin eluded the chase, but his wife, weakened by disease and pregnancy, was captured and could not endure the hardships of being locked up in the city dungeons.

Still others say it’s all baloney and there never was a wife. The Harlequin himself was supposed to fall ill with the plague, and it disfigured his face so much that he covered it with a mask.
To make matters worse, he was paralyzed and the muscles of his face froze in an eternal, ghastly smile.

It is difficult to make out the truth. The Harlequin himself tells a different story of his life each time.

The Harlequin, despite its madness, is an effective killer. Disguised as a comedian, he can easily get close to the unaware victim.
His wooden stage sword has a steel blade inside.
The Harlequin sewed a chain mail inside his costume.

He is not an outstanding swordsman, but apart from the element of surprise, in combat he uses his left-handedness to his advantage...