Mr. Grimaldi as Clown in "Harlequin & Friar Bacon"
Artist
George Cruishank
(British, 1792 – 1878)
Datecirca 1820
CultureBritish
MediumEtching
ClassificationPrints
Provenance(Argosy Gallery, n.d.); acquired by the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, n.d.-present.
Credit Line?
Object numberSN1546.135.21
British pantomime actor Joseph Grimaldi (1778 – 1837) began his acting career as a child and became best known for his performance as the humorous troublemaker character of Clown in early 19th century British pantomime plays. Clown’s antics were popular plots for the short pantomime sketches that would follow serious dramatic performances. Longer pantomimes composed of multiple short scenes were also staged for holiday audiences at Sadler’s Wells, Covent Gardens and other entertainment districts in England.
While Joseph Grimaldi is perhaps the most remembered actor to portray Clown, others including his own son, Joseph Samuel Grimaldi (1802 -1832) took on the role also. The Pantomime of Clown and Friar Bacon was first staged at Covent Garden in 1820 with Joseph Grimaldi as Clown and his son in the role of Friar Bacon. The following year, due to his father’s failing health, JS Grimaldi appeared in the same play but this time as Clown.
On View
Not on view
no date
no date
