Satirical Comedy-theatre Poster Design Project: Harlequin
Large drawing of a humorous and satirical poster project: "Grand spectacle extraordinaire à la prison" 1847
Drawing dated 1847, depicting a "Grand spectacle extraordinaire à la prison", in the spirit of mid-19th-century fairground theaters and popular entertainments.The scene features a troupe of caricatured characters, musicians and spectators, gathered around a program at the center of the composition. These include "The Eclipse of the Sun", "Harlequin in the Moon" and "The Learned Monkey", all themes emblematic of fairground shows combining science, illusion and comedy.
The intriguing mention of "à la prison" lends the work an extra dimension. It may evoke either an actual performance venue, an occasional practice in the 19th century, or, more likely, a satirical intention, suggesting a social critique where the show becomes a metaphor for a closed world, observed like a theatrical stage.
This ambiguity reinforces the richness of the drawing's reading.The whole is a fine example of the world of fairs and travelling huts in the mid-19th century, where scientific phenomena - such as eclipses - were popularized and staged to amaze the public, while acts like the "learned monkey" introduced a comic and often ironic touch.
This drawing can be interpreted as a poster project, a preparatory sketch or even a scene inspired by a real show, probably in connection with the eclipses observed in those years.Both documentary and witty, it is a precious testimony to the popular culture and forms of entertainment of the period.
Sheet size: 40.5 x 30.5 cm
.
Drawing dated 1847, depicting a "Grand spectacle extraordinaire à la prison", in the spirit of mid-19th-century fairground theaters and popular entertainments.The scene features a troupe of caricatured characters, musicians and spectators, gathered around a program at the center of the composition. These include "The Eclipse of the Sun", "Harlequin in the Moon" and "The Learned Monkey", all themes emblematic of fairground shows combining science, illusion and comedy.
The intriguing mention of "à la prison" lends the work an extra dimension. It may evoke either an actual performance venue, an occasional practice in the 19th century, or, more likely, a satirical intention, suggesting a social critique where the show becomes a metaphor for a closed world, observed like a theatrical stage.
This ambiguity reinforces the richness of the drawing's reading.The whole is a fine example of the world of fairs and travelling huts in the mid-19th century, where scientific phenomena - such as eclipses - were popularized and staged to amaze the public, while acts like the "learned monkey" introduced a comic and often ironic touch.
This drawing can be interpreted as a poster project, a preparatory sketch or even a scene inspired by a real show, probably in connection with the eclipses observed in those years.Both documentary and witty, it is a precious testimony to the popular culture and forms of entertainment of the period.
Sheet size: 40.5 x 30.5 cm
.
380 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Other Style
Condition: En l'etat
Material: Paper
Reference (ID): 1743209
Availability: In stock
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