17th century, England, English, Europe, fooleum, painting, primary source, Stuart
This early 17th century painting of two jesters and a marotte (fool’s head bauble or stick) taps into the theme of ‘Who’s the missing fool?’ in which an image posed a visual quandary. The painting is entitled ‘We three...
16th century, dramatic character, Europe, France, French, play, primary source, quotes
The sottie was a form of French satirical drama from the 15th and 16th centuries, until they were banned. Their characters were allegorical without individual names and they were a channel for criticising the government. The Farce Morale de Troys Pelerins et Malice...
16th century, Europe, fooleum, Germany, Netherlands, painting, primary source, woodcut
Having posted individual notes on an enigmatic series of similar paintings, it feels time to pull them together in one place, also allowing the various finger-peeping fools to be viewed alongside each other. We will soon add some related prints and in the meantime,...
16th century, bibliography, Europe, French, journal paper, Netherlands, research, Spain
Cécile Beuzelin’s paper presents two 16th century double portraits, one by Antonis Mor (1519-75) and one anonymous (but previously attributed to Frans Floris). Both feature the dwarf Estanilao who served Cardinal Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle (1517-86), a...
16th century, Europe, fooleum, historical figure, Netherlands, painting, portrait, primary source, Spain
Europe stands out for the range and number of representations of fools and dwarfs in art, particularly during the late Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. There seems to have been an enduring fascination for both minds and bodies differently cast; dwarfs were...
