Monticelli painted many imaginary scenes of costumed figures throughout his career. Here, a dozen characters are shown in colourful outfits, probably during a torchlight procession. The central figure in white appears to be dressed as Pulcinella, a character from Commedia dell'Arte plays. This subject was also used by Antoine Watteau, whom Monticelli greatly admired.
Nevertheless, the authenticity of this painting has been doubted. Analysis carried out by National Gallery conservators has revealed that its technique imitates Monticelli’s, while the picture is painted on pine and not on mahogany, which is the wood that Monticelli generally used. For these reasons, it is thought to have been painted by an imitator in the 1870s. Monticelli was admired by his contemporaries, and many of his companion artists were keen to emulate his style and technique.
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