What Is a Harlequin Jester?
A harlequin clown, sometimes referred to as a harlequin jester, is a clown character with origins in 16th-century Italian theater. Though it was originally a supporting character, the harlequin clown became a starring role in English Pantomime theater.
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Origins
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The harlequin clown was born of the Commedia Dell'Arte theater movement in Italy, an impromptu comedic form popular in the 1500s. Harlequin performances often involved comedic juggling, acrobatic and pantomime routines.
Appearence
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Harlequin clowns typically had brightly colored diamond-patterned costumes with tight legs, black half-masks and ruffled collars. The white face makeup commonly associated with clowns was not a part of the traditional harlequin costume.
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Other Clowns
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The harlequin clown should not be confused with the court jester, a clown tradition preceding the birth of the harlequin clown, or the Pierrot clown, which came after and bears closer resemblance to the modern circus clown.
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