Jester Collection (#5)

The Neglectful Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308344 The Neglectful Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Witted Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308335 The Witted Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Title Page. One Hundred And Fourteen Fools, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308557 Title Page. One Hundred And Fourteen Fools, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Fool Dreaming Of The Land Of Milk And Honey, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308546 The Fool Dreaming Of The Land Of Milk And Honey, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

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

They have become foolhardy and have given themselves over to vanity (Ephesians 4: 19... ca. 1570-72. Creator: Anon)
They have become foolhardy and have given themselves over to vanity (Ephesians 4:19), ca. 1570-72

Of brekynge and hurtynge of amyte and frendshyp, illustration from Alexander Barclays English translation of The Ship
486402 Of brekynge and hurtynge of amyte and frendshyp, illustration from Alexander Barclays English translation of The Ship of Fools, from an edition published in 1874 (engraving) by German School

Balaam and the Ass, 1622 (oil on panel)
990083 Balaam and the Ass, 1622 (oil on panel) by Lastman, Pieter (1583-1633); 40.3x59.4 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Balaam and the Ass. Pieter Lastman (1583-1633). Oil on panel

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

The jester, a timeless symbol of mirth and folly, has captivated audiences throughout history. From the Jolly Joker Playing Card to the Italian painting by Casimiro Tomba depicting a Drunk Warrior and Court Jester, their presence is undeniable. In one image, we see a jester carrying a wassail bowl, spreading cheer with every step. Another snapshot showcases Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise receiving the prestigious Joint Showbiz Award for their comedic genius. Even in Christmas cards adorned with Shakespearean jesters, they bring laughter to our festive celebrations. Just like Gulliver in Brobdingnag or Hamlet at the Grave, jesters have always been there to lighten even the darkest moments. Les Saltimbanques immortalized on canvas in 1874 captures their vibrant energy as they entertain crowds under colorful tents. No discussion about jesters would be complete without mentioning Carnival in Venice - an extravaganza where these mischievous characters reign supreme. Their cap and bells create an aura of whimsy that enchants all who witness them perform. And let's not forget the 16th-century red and yellow Jesters Cap costume map of the world - a playful representation of how jesters transcend borders and cultures with their universal appeal. Whether it's through art or live performances, jesters continue to remind us of the power of laughter, and are more than just entertainers; they are keepers of joy who remind us not to take life too seriously.