Pulcinellopaedia Seraphiniana

From the enchanting and intriguing mind behind Codex Seraphinianus comes this beautiful illustrated tribute to the famed Neapolitan character Pulcinella. This delightful homage to Pulcinella (or “Punch” as he is referred to in English) contains over one hundred extraordinary pencil illustrations, some of which are depicted in comic-strip style. Divided into several scenes, it features the oddly surreal and globally recognized character that originated in seventeenth-century comedic theater and became a fixture in Neapolitan puppetry. Distinguished by a long nose and typically dressed in white with a black mask, Pulcinella is often depicted in various kinds of misadventures and singing about themes of love, hunger, and money. In the typical fashion of author Luigi Serafini, Pulcinellopaedia Seraphiniana is created in a unique language all its own, and is filled with fascinating and mysterious illustrations that require thorough examination and inference to decipher what the artist is intending to portray. Written by Serafini’s imaginative coauthor and alter ego “C. Petrulo,” who represents Pulcinella himself, the book artfully presents the struggles of a rebellious antihero who must come to grips with the difficulties of everyday life. First published in 1984 and since revised by the author, this volume is an exquisite treasure that has intrigued readers for more than thirty years.

Luigi Serafini was born in Rome and earned a degree in architecture in 1977, taking part in exhibitions by Gruppo Memphis, headed by Ettore Sottsass. He has worked as an architect, ceramicist, glassmaker, opera director, set designer, and critic. He is best known for the cult classic book Codex Seraphinianus, also available from Rizzoli.