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, Europe, fooleum, Netherlands, primary source, tapestry
This lively 16th century tapestry includes a jester – capering or leaping – in full fool’s outfit. In addition to the cap and bells, he has bells around the bottom of his tunic and in leg bands like a Morris dancer. He is also waving a marotte...
16th century, Europe, fooleum, historical figure, Netherlands, painting, portrait, primary source
This is one of two double portraits featuring Estanilao, a dwarf who served in the household of Cardinal Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle (1517-86), a leading light in Hapsburg Europe. Â In this painting, the dwarf appears behind and beside what seems to be a...
