This work by Gino Severini is one of the original sixteen paintings for his Fleurs et Masques ‘pochoirs’ published in 1930. Inspired by the characterful Commedia dell’Arte performances which Severini frequented, the series depicts harlequins, musical instruments and stage props full of colour and energy. Charlotte Hodgson of the Victor Batte-Lay Foundation comments on the series: ‘The Fleurs et Masques pochoirs are whimsical (almost resembling playing cards) but at the same time sacred and profane. Throughout, Christian iconography is evident: the mother and child reminiscent of Mary and Jesus; "Ichthus" fish and pigeons substituted for doves, perhaps, and grapes representative of an evangelical banquet'.

The shapes and figures echo Severini’s progression from Futurism to Neo-Classicism, and the Rappel à l'ordre or ‘Return to Order’ movement: which rejected the avant-garde and emphasised traditional a style combined with modern technique, as well as balance and clarity of form and subject. Translating as ‘stencil’, a ‘pochoir’ is a high-quality print technique used hand-cut templates for each layer of colour, printed on top of each other to create a final image. This work is the original gouache that Severini would have used ahead of making the pochoir works. 

This work was confirmed by Romana Severini (the artist's wife) and Danielle Fonti. It is accompanied by a certificate issued by Danielle Fonti.