20th century, dramatic character, Europe, gallery, photo, primary source, Sweden
Something wonderfully quirky about this old photo of a Swedish actor, Ivar Nilsson, in the role of King Lear’s fool. The costume with the rabbit ear cap is striking, but it is the facial expression and make up which captivates, including an off-centre nose and a...
16th century, 17th century, bibliography, Europe, Germany, journal paper, research
This short paper describes and reflects on an intriguing German engraving (c. 1600) by an unknown artist, which features a Large Head of a Jester and an inscription beneath.Wearing a traditional jester’s cap, complete with coxcomb and bells, and various badges,...
16th century, 17th century, engraving, Europe, gallery, German, Germany, primary source, print
This intriguing German engraving (c. 1600) features a Large Head of a Jester and an inscription beneath. Â Wearing a traditional jester’s cap complete with coxcomb and bells, and various badges, it stands out for both the curious lip-biting stance and the...
16th century, 17th century, Europe, gallery, Netherlands, primary source
This enigmatic painting by Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem (1562-1638) features a fool with the cap so often attributed to European jesters, though it remains unclear the extent to which real court jesters ever wore such caps. Â I have yet to come across a portrait of a...
