The 15th-century dwelling belonged to the local noble family of Grataroli, who had made their fortune in Venice: it is thought that one of their servants was the one who inspired the character of Harlequin.
Above the entrance staircase you will see a fresco: it depicts a very hairy man dressed in skins, wielding a stick.
If need be, the cartouche reads unequivocally, ” Chi non e’ de chortesia, non intragi in chasa mia, se ge venes un poltron, ce daro’ col mio baston” (Whoever is not welcome, don’t enter my house, if a braggart comes, I will beat him with my stick).
Devi sapere che Arlecchino rappresentava i servi della val Brembana, considerati opportunisti e poco affidabili, che a Venezia facevano lavori umili e faticosi e quindi cercavano sempre espedienti per arrotondare: l’affresco in casa Grataroli sembra proprio raffigurare questa maschera irriverente e burlona.
Attento che non ti faccia qualche scherzo!