Monticelli painted many imaginary scenes of costumed figures. Here, the central figure in white appears to be dressed in the costume of Pulcinella, a character from the Commedia dell'Arte plays. This subject was also used by Watteau, whom Monticelli greatly admired.

The authenticity of this painting has been doubted. It was possibly painted by an artist imitating Monticelli in the 1870s.