Kermistheater 1869

Charles Rochussen's "Kermistheater," captures the vibrant scene of a fairground theatre. Here, the harlequin figure looms large. Historically, the harlequin originates from the Italian commedia dell'arte. Observe his motley costume, a symbol of chaos and transformation, which stands in stark contrast to the more ‘respectable’ characters that surround him. This reminds me of similar figures like the medieval ‘fool’, who, through disruptive behaviour, challenged the status quo. The harlequin's gestures and expressions, though playful, carry a subversive edge, tapping into our collective memories of societal disruption. This duality—the comedic and the chaotic—engages us on a subconscious level, reflecting the ever-present tension between order and disorder within society. Note how the harlequin's playful slapstick resonates through history, evolving into new forms in Chaplin’s modern tramp. The symbol resurfaces, proving that certain images possess an enduring power to stir deep-seated human emotions and mirror our own internal struggles.