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Pulcinella, often called Punch in English, is a classical character that originated in the Commedia dell'arte of the 17th century and became a stock character in Neapolitan puppetry. His main characteristic, from which he acquired his name, is his extremely long nose, which resembles a beak. In Latin, this was a pullus gallinaceus, which led to the word "Pulliciniello" and "Pulcinella", related to the Italian pulcino or chick.He often wears a black mask and long white coat, and has loose and straggly hair.
Pulcinella features in an eponymous ballet by Igor Stravinsky; see Pulcinella (ballet).
see also: Punch and Judy
Commedia dell'arte
