Clown Capturer
The Seated Clowness
Toulouse-Lautrec's exceptional talent for designing posters promoting renowned Parisian cabarets, like the iconic Moulin Rouge, resulted in great success. Inspired by this triumph, he ventured into crafting deluxe editions of prints showcasing the captivating performers of Montmartre, such as the charming clown and dancer, Cha-u-Kao. These lithographs were intended to captivate both enthusiastic fans and avid print collectors.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec ,The Seated Clowness (Mademoiselle Cha-u-ka-o), 1896 | MMA 49.55.50
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
In contrast to Lautrec's other portrayals of Cha-u-Kao during her lively performances, this particular artwork captures her off stage, in a moment of serene repose. Revealing a candid pose and an almost weary expression, the lithograph allows us to catch a glimpse of the person behind the theatrical persona, inviting us to connect with the artist's intimate portrayal of this remarkable individual.
Paul Sescau Portrait of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1894
Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi
squirting flower A Historic Clown | Lou Jacobs (1903-1992)
Lou Jacobs in makeup, 1941 Public Domain
Lou Jacobs was an American circus clown who performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for over six decades. He was known for his traditional whiteface clown character and his skillful use of props, such as his iconic "squirting flower." Jacobs' performances made him one of the most beloved and respected clowns in the circus world.
social inequalities
Honoré Daumier, Street Show; a clown playing a drum 1825, MMA 79 27.152.2
Honoré Daumier was a renowned French artist known for his satirical illustrations of clowns and street performers, capturing scenes of everyday life in 19th-century France. Through his art, he depicted the struggles and challenges faced by these performers, offering a glimpse into social inequalities of the time. Daumier's legacy as an insightful observer continues to inspire and influence art enthusiasts today.
Weary Willie
Emmett Kelly (1898-1979): Emmett Kelly was an American circus performer and clown who is best known for his portrayal of the sad-faced hobo clown character called "Weary Willie." His character was based on the struggles of the Great Depression, and his performances were both humorous and poignant, making him one of the most memorable clowns in circus history.
King of the Clowns • Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837)
Clown Dad
Often referred to as the "Father of Clowning," Joseph Grimaldi was an English actor, comedian, and clown. He is credited with transforming the traditional circus clown character into the more recognizable and iconic figure we know today, with colorful costumes, white face paint, and red noses. Grimaldi's influence on clowning is immense, and he is still celebrated as one of the greatest clowns in history.
Piercy Roberts, Mr. Grimaldi as "Joey" the Clown, Etching
Under the Makeup
Joseph Grimaldi was the most famous and popular clown of the period. His performance style had its origins in the Italian Commedia dell'Arte of the sixteenth century, but in the popular 'Harlequinades' of the early nineteenth century he emerged as the founding father of modern clowns. He was forced to retire in 1823 when years of jumping and tumbling left him barely able to walk. He was penniless by 1828 and benefit performances, which drew large crowds, were held for him at Sadler's Wells and Covent Garden Theatres.
John Cawse, Portrait of Joseph Grimaldi, 1807
tights and a dagger
Thomas Rowlandson, Scene in a New Pantomime, MMA 59.533.1592
Napoleon in multicolored tights and a dagger in each hand, jumps through an opening cut in a portrait of King Louis XVIII. He is pursued from behind by the monarchs of Europe.
impact on clowning
Chaplin in the role of the tramp (1915) Public Domain
While primarily known for his work in silent films, Charlie Chaplin also had a significant impact on clowning. His iconic character "The Tramp" exhibited classic clown characteristics with his distinctive costume, quirky movements, and physical humor. Chaplin's contributions to comedy and clowning have made him one of the most recognizable and beloved entertainers of all time.
Circus Corvi
Circus Sideshow
In 1888, at the Salon des Indépendants, Seurat impressively showcased the versatility of his artistic technique through two distinct paintings: Circus Sideshow, an enchanting nighttime scene illuminated by artificial light, and Models, a captivating indoor depiction bathed in daylight (presented at the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia). Notably, this marked Seurat's inaugural venture into nocturnal painting and his first exploration of popular entertainment themes.
Georges Seurat, Circus Sideshow, MMA 61.101.17
Chromoluminarism
Circus Sideshow captures the lively parade or sideshow of the Circus Corvi, a captivating spectacle from the annual Gingerbread Fair hosted in the eastern part of Paris, near the place de la Nation, during the spring of 1887. These sideshows were strategically placed outside the circus tent and offered to passersby without charge, enticing them to purchase tickets for the main event. At the far right of the painting, we observe onlookers queuing on stairs that lead to the box office, eagerly awaiting their turn to witness the excitement within.
Unidentified, Portrait of Georges Seurat,, 1888
Speaking of Clowns... How about these sandwiches
Clowns everywhere
A Play or Sorts
Benjamin Pollock, Characters, from Jack and the Giant Killer, c.1880, Lithograph | MMA 52.541.1(7)
Figures of Fortune
Sizable Round Earflares
Mesoamerica Maya, Costumed Figure, 7th–8th century, MMA 1979.206.953
This ceramic figurine portrays a standing male adorned in a long textured bodysuit and a distinctive conical headdress. His mouth appears open, suggesting he is caught in the midst of speech, while an ornament adorns the area between his eyes. The presence of incised lines on his cheeks hints at his maturity, indicating that he is an elder. The figurine dons a belt and loincloth over the bodysuit, accompanied by a ruffled collar and sizable round earflares, worn as ornaments in his earlobes (refer to 1994.35.591a, b for an example of earflare sets, and 1979.206.1047 for individuals wearing earflare assemblages). A significant element of his attire is the pectoral, featuring a prominent round component with a zoomorphic face emerging from the upper right corner.
Notably, the figurine clutches a rectangular shield in his left hand, displaying patterns that likely represent feathers. Unfortunately, the right arm of the figurine is damaged, broken at the elbow. Remarkably, this figurine doubles as a whistle; the mouthpiece of the whistle is visible from the sides and back, acting as a third support, allowing the figurine to stand upright.
Symbolizing Poverty
Johann Joachim Kändler, Harlequin with jug, ca. 1740, German
Meissen Manufactory | MMA 1974.356.355
Harlequin, the most recognizable character from the commedia dell’arte, is known for his colorful costume. In the 18th century, actors and porcelain figures portrayed him wearing a jacket and trousers with bright, diamond-shaped patterns. Originally, his costume featured irregular, colorful patches symbolizing poverty, which later evolved into the iconic lozenge design. Meissen porcelain Harlequins often varied in color, with different palettes for the jacket and trousers, and sometimes contrasting colors or patterns on each side of the costume.
On stage, Harlequin wore a half mask as part of his costume, but Meissen varied his portrayal. Some figures had full masks, half masks, or just theatrical makeup with exaggerated features. Harlequin typically wore a hat and carried a slapstick, though in this depiction, he holds his hat and a lidded jug instead of the slapstick.