Pierrot and Colombine are two beloved stock characters in the Commedia dell’Arte tradition. Colombine, the intelligent handmaid, dangles her love just out of reach of the adoring moon-faced dreamer, Pierrot. (Pierrot was also a forerunner to the modern French clown.) Commedia dell’Arte is a form of improvisational comedy that originated in Italy in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was very popular and its influence is still subtly felt in today’s society. Traces of Commedia dell’Arte can be found in Pantomime, Punch and Judy, animated cartoons, and even professional wrestling.