Petrolino refers to a fictional character who played a significant role in the history of commedia dell'arte, a popular form of Italian theater during the 16th and 17th centuries. Portrayed as a cunning servant or underdog, Petrolino is an iconic zanni or clown-like figure known for his wit, physical comedy, and quick thinking.
Derived from the Latin word "petrolium" meaning "rock oil" or "petroleum," which was a term used to describe a family of natural resources derived from crude oil, the name "Petrolino" reflects the character's association with the oil-lamp seller. Originally called "Pedrolino" or "Pedro," he gained his altered name during the transformation of commedia dell'arte into a more improvised style.
Petrolino is often depicted wearing loose-fitting and patched clothes, with a half-mask covering his face, similar to other commedia mask characters such as Pierrot and Harlequin. He embodies certain archetypal traits, including mischievousness, cleverness, and a tendency to outwit the other characters.
In performances, Petrolino was known for his slapstick humor, acrobatics, and ability to engage the audience through direct asides and pantomime. Despite being a servant character, Petrolino often outwitted his masters, leading to humorous and chaotic situations in the plays. His misadventures and comic exchanges with other characters entertained audiences and became a beloved staple of commedia dell'arte.
Petrolino's enduring popularity has influenced numerous comedic characters in theater, film, and television, particularly those with a penchant for physical comedy, wit, and cunning.
