Benemia, Bernoualla and Cucurucu

Benemia, Bernoualla, and Cucurucu depicts three characters from the commedia dell'arte's extensive cast of zanni (comic servant) types. Minor servant characters like these often had regional specific names that reflected the oral tradition's roots in different Italian theatrical cultures — Venetian, Neapolitan, Bergamask. De Clermont's 1742 Lansdowne House series was an exceptional commission in its scope, documenting dozens of distinct character types in individual panels that together constituted a visual encyclopedia of the theatrical tradition. Such encyclopedic decorative programs served the English aristocracy's aspiration to demonstrate their cultural breadth and Continental sophistication.

The three-figure composition is arranged with decorative balance appropriate to the panel's function as wall decoration. De Clermont uses his clear, flat painting style with bright, contrasting colors for the different characters' costumes, creating visual variety within the harmonious ensemble.