Court Jester Collection (#3)

The Careless Church-Going Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308540 The Careless Church-Going Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Conceals The Truth, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308538 The Fool Who Conceals The Truth, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Lazy Service-Messenger Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308524 The Lazy Service-Messenger Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Waits For The Service Of God In A Bad Way, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308511 The Fool Who Waits For The Service Of God In A Bad Way, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Acts Too Confidentially With God, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308501 The Fool Who Acts Too Confidentially With God, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Shoots At The Target, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308480 The Fool Who Shoots At The Target, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Striving For The Clerical State, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308476 The Fool Striving For The Clerical State, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Mingles With Children's Hands, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308466 The Fool Who Mingles With Children's Hands, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Planet Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308460 The Planet Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Ungrateful Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308447 The Ungrateful Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Quack-Salver Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308440 The Quack-Salver Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Voluptuous Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308432 The Voluptuous Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Secretive Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308431 The Secretive Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool In Love With The World, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308416 The Fool In Love With The World, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Betrays His Own Plots, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308408 The Fool Who Betrays His Own Plots, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Wishing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308382 The Wishing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Sees The Right Way For Himself, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308374 The Fool Who Sees The Right Way For Himself, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fortune-Telling Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308350 The Fortune-Telling Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Book Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308331 The Book Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Despises Wisdom, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308556 The Fool Who Despises Wisdom, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Envious Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308436 The Envious Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Scandal-Giving Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308426 The Scandal-Giving Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Sensitive Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308412 The Sensitive Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Spurns Good Advice, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308406 The Fool Who Spurns Good Advice, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Three Ore Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308384 The Three Ore Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Borg-Receiving Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308380 The Borg-Receiving Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool In Love, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308355 The Fool In Love, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Naughty Table Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308342 The Naughty Table Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Old Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308340 The Old Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Embarkation in the Ship of Fools, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308330 The Embarkation in the Ship of Fools, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.8x20.6 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Spoils The Sky, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308542 The Fool Who Spoils The Sky, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Ear-Blowing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308531 The Ear-Blowing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Who Turns Away From Wisdom Again, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308496 The Fool Who Turns Away From Wisdom Again, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Farmer Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308494 The Farmer Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Messenger Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308490 The Messenger Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Boasting Of His Bossiness, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308486 The Fool Boasting Of His Bossiness, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Lying Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308482 The Lying Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Lazy Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308470 The Lazy Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Of The Stables, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308454 The Fool Of The Stables, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

A Poetic Pierrot, after a painting by Antoine Vollon
7279047 A Poetic Pierrot, after a painting by Antoine Vollon by Unknown Artist, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Poetic Pierrot, after a painting by Antoine Vollon, Historical)

Study for Scaramouche, his arms outstretched, c. 1707 (red, black and white chalk, on light gray paper)
7302471 Study for Scaramouche, his arms outstretched, c. 1707 (red, black and white chalk, on light gray paper) by Gillot

The Court Jester. 12th Century (colour litho)
670160 The Court Jester. 12th Century (colour litho) by Moreland, Arthur (1876-1951); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Court Jester. 12th Century)

Costume of a fool, France, 16th century. 1867 (engraving)
7234936 Costume of a fool, France, 16th century. 1867 (engraving) by Lechevallier-Chevignard, Edmond (1825-1902); Private Collection; (add.info.: Costume of a fool with fife, France, 16th century)

Shakespeare: Touchstone and Audrey in the Forest of Arden, As You Like It, Act III, Scene 3 (colour litho)
7178694 Shakespeare: Touchstone and Audrey in the Forest of Arden, As You Like It, Act III, Scene 3 (colour litho) by Collier

Henry VIII, Princess Mary, and William Somers, Jester (litho)
7166050 Henry VIII, Princess Mary, and William Somers, Jester (litho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Henry VIII, Princess Mary, and William Somers, Jester)

Floram Marchand, French juggler and water spouter (woodcut)
7185543 Floram Marchand, French juggler and water spouter (woodcut) by English School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Floram Marchand, French juggler and water spouter)

Calendar vignettes, 16th Century (colour litho)
7201524 Calendar vignettes, 16th Century (colour litho) by German School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Calendar vignettes, 16th Century)

Bouffon (engraving)
7158328 Bouffon (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Bouffon. Illustration for Dictionnaire Francais Illustre des Mots et des Choses by MM Larive et Fleury)

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"The Court Jester: A Colorful Tale of Laughter and Intrigue" In the vibrant world of medieval courts, one figure stood out among the rest - the court jester. With his colorful attire and mischievous antics, he entertained both nobles and commoners alike. From Taillefer the Troubadour leading William's army to El Primo immortalized in oil on canvas, these jesters left an indelible mark on history. Dressed in red and blue with bells adorning his outfit, the court jester stepped forward with a twinkle in his eye. His presence brought joy to all who beheld him, as captured in portraits like "A Fair at Woodstock" or "Witchcraft or the allegory of Hercules. " These artworks depict their playful nature and ability to bring laughter even amidst serious events. Not limited to just medieval times, jesters continued to enchant audiences throughout history. Keith Moon, drummer of The Who rock group, embodied this spirit with his wild performances that captivated fans worldwide. In photographs from Daily Mirror studios, we see how jesters can transcend time and genres. But it wasn't all fun and games for these entertainers. They often played important roles beyond mere amusement. In "Feast at Wierzynek's, " we witness them adding depth to social gatherings by providing witty commentary or satirical observations through music such as lutes. The court jester was not simply a fool; they possessed wisdom hidden beneath their comedic facade. Through brush strokes on paper like "The Almost-Night Fool, " "The Falsifier Fool, " "The Fool Who Gives With Displeasure, " or "The Goodness-Preventing Fool, " artists portrayed their complex personalities that challenged societal norms while offering valuable insights into human behavior. As we delve into history's tapestry adorned with tales of kings and queens, let us not forget those who brought laughter amid the seriousness.