Foolery Collection (#5)

Mockery, women bathing (colour litho)
7150537 Mockery, women bathing (colour litho) by Scalbert, Jules (1851-1928) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mockery, women bathing)

Caricature of a lusty old woman with a young man (woodcut)
7201587 Caricature of a lusty old woman with a young man (woodcut) by German School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Caricature of a lusty old woman with a young man)

Boys mocking a tall footmans hat (litho)
7201197 Boys mocking a tall footmans hat (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Boys mocking a tall footmans hat)

Episodes from the story of King Charles VII of France and Joan of Arc (chromolitho)
7185105 Episodes from the story of King Charles VII of France and Joan of Arc (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Satire on wicked women (engraving)
7201575 Satire on wicked women (engraving) by German School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Satire on wicked women)

Devils bagpipes, German caricature about the vices of monks (colour litho)
7201529 Devils bagpipes, German caricature about the vices of monks (colour litho) by German School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Devils bagpipes)

All twisted, cartoon mocking the pitfalls of the printing process (litho)
7200685 All twisted, cartoon mocking the pitfalls of the printing process (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: All twisted)

The hair doesn t justify, cartoon mocking the pitfalls of the printing process (litho)
7200683 The hair doesn t justify, cartoon mocking the pitfalls of the printing process (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The hair doesn t justify)

French Theatre -- Sottie du Prince des Sotz
Sottie du Prince des Sotz (Foolery from the Prince of Fools), by Pierre Gringore (Gringoire). Showing a musician in a red and grey fools costume, standing on one leg and playing the mandolin

Frog Playing Basketball

French Theatre -- Les Sobres Sotz
Les Sobres Sotz (The Sober Fools), a farce, showing a fool, Le Badin, in yellow and green motley. Date: 16th century

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"Foolery: A Timeless Art of Mockery and Mirth" Step into the world of foolery, where laughter reigns supreme and jesters hold court. From the grand stages of French Theatre to the intricate strokes of oil on canvas, this captivating art form has transcended time. In the Sottie du Prince des Sotz, we witness a satirical performance that pokes fun at societal norms. The actors don masks and costumes, unleashing their wit upon an unsuspecting audience. Laughter echoes through the halls as they expose human follies with sharp humor. The paintings "Christ Crowned with Thorns" and "The Mocking of Christ" depict a darker side to foolery. Here, mockery takes a cruel turn as Jesus is subjected to ridicule and humiliation. These powerful artworks serve as reminders that even in moments of despair, fools find ways to mock. But foolery isn't limited to religious themes alone; it permeates various aspects of life. In "Lysistrata, " women defend their rights by using flatulence as a weapon against men's access to power—an unconventional yet effective strategy that elicits both shock and amusement. Delving deeper into this realm, we encounter Arlequin and Leandre reveling in drink while mocking Pierrot—a scene captured beautifully in an engraving from 1880. Their raucous laughter fills the air as they indulge in merry mischief without consequence. Yet not all fools are carefree pranksters; some bear burdens hidden beneath their painted smiles. "The Almost-Night Fool, " "The Falsifier Fool, " "The Fool Who Gives With Displeasure, " among others depicted in brush and Indian ink on paper during the 17th century, reveal complex characters who navigate life's challenges with varying degrees of success. Foolery serves as society's mirror—reflecting our flaws while offering respite from reality's harshness.