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Description
I rendered this piece as a tribute to the harlequin-a fascinating breed of facetious comedy, madness and wisdom. The precise origin of his many cultural and political variations can be traced as far back as prehistoric tribal society. Commonly associated with the European Middle Ages, the objective of the jester or fool was to temper and moderate the four humours of the king--a primitive medical method. Such a character was thought to have been "gifted" by the Lord with a quick wit, intelligence and dexterous qualities. I deliberately painted my harlequin as a blend of the grotesque and mystique unique to the circus acts of nineteenth century France with subtle medieval influence (the harlequin's coxcomb hat and the cameos in the border).

Description
I rendered this piece as a tribute to the harlequin-a fascinating breed of facetious comedy, madness and wisdom. The precise origin of his many cultural and political variations can be traced as far back as prehistoric tribal society. Commonly associated with the European Middle Ages, the objective of the jester or fool was to temper and moderate the four humours of the king--a primitive medical method. Such a character was thought to have been "gifted" by the Lord with a quick wit, intelligence and dexterous qualities. I deliberately painted my harlequin as a blend of the grotesque and mystique unique to the circus acts of nineteenth century France with subtle medieval influence (the harlequin's coxcomb hat and the cameos in the border).