18th century, 19th century, carving, England, Europe, fooleum, primary source
These charming carved jesters’ heads are thought to have been used as signs for apothecaries. According to the Wellcome Collection, which owns both examples, before the widespread use of street address numbers, such signs would have been used to help people,...
16th century, carving, Europe, fooleum, Germany
How about this for serendipity: strolling around the V&A, I couldn’t believe my eyes when they spotted this drop-dead gorgeous towel-holder. Carved, painted and gilded oak, it was made in Northern Germany and the museum dates it to c. 1520-25. This would...
Europe, fooleum, German, Germany, medieval, primary source, quotes
The mirror is a recurring theme in fooldom, both as a symbol and a function of the role – fools hold a mirror up to show things as they really are, in turn allowing us to ‘reflect’ on our behaviour. In European iconography, the jester can be seen...
