Vie De Scaramouche

Biography by Angelo Costanini, published at Brusselles by Chez George de Backer, Imprimeur & Marchand Libraire, aux trois Mores, à la Berg-straet, 1699. Scaramouche was the stage name of Italian actor Tiberio Fiorillo (died 1694). He worked with several small theatrical troupes. His most famous role was that of "Scaramuccia" in Il Convitato di Pietra. He was famous for his strength, agility, and gracefulness. He had a remarkable gift for pantomime and improvisation as well as a superb voice. He was also a talented flautist. He was so revered as an actor that his child was baptized in Rome by Cardinal Chigi who represented Pope Alexander VII. His fame for his role as Scaramouche spread quickly. In France he was invited to perform before Anne of Austria and at the Court of Louis XIII. He was also a favorite of Louis XIV. Tradition has it that Molière never missed a performance by the great actor and that he used Scaramouche as a model when he himself performed.