Beltrame (in Milanese: baltramm) is a traditional character of the commedia dell'arte associated to the city of Milan, and dating back to the 16th-17th century or earlier.^[1] It is also often referenced by the full name Beltrame di Milano^[1] and also as Beltrame di Gaggiano (from the borgo – now a comune – of Gaggiano, in the surroundings of Milan) or Beltrame de la Gippa (where the "gippa" is the large blouse, or tunic, worn by the character).^[2]

The creation of Beltrame character is sometimes credited to Niccolò Barbieri. In any case, Barbieri largely contributed to the popularity of the character with plays such as L'inavvertito.^[3] Barbieri was an actor as well as a comedian, and assumed the role and stage name of Beltrame himself.^[4] His character is usually a crafty, astute villager and husband^[2] and blunderer, always trying to appear of higher rank than he really is;.^[5] He took on several different roles, including that of the merchant and of Colombina's father trying to force his daughter into a marriage of convenience (a part he shares with Tabarino).^[6] He often reaches his goals in virtue of his lack of scruples, astute rhetoric, and mock good manners.^[6] His costume, resembling that of a 16th-century servant, included a large tunic, a purse, and a dagger.^[7]

Beltrame has long been the main representative of Milan in the commedia, although this role was later taken on by Meneghino. It is also often described as a variation of character Brighella (associated to the city of Bergamo, and sometimes also to Milan),^[8] or even as Brighella's brother.^[9]

Beltrame has inspired Molière's character Mascarille, from the comedy L'Étourdi ou Les Contretemps (The Blunderer, 1655).^[3]