Groep artiesten op straat met straatlantaarns c. 1855 - 1870

This is a photograph by Adolphe Block, depicting a group of performers on a street, taken in the 19th century. Notice the theatrical costumes, particularly those of the harlequins, with their checkered patterns. These figures trace their lineage back to the Italian commedia dell'arte, a vibrant and influential form of theatre that flourished in the 16th century. This character, a trickster and servant, is known for his wit, agility, and often, his role as a social disruptor. Consider how the harlequin motif has been reinterpreted across different eras. We see echoes of this figure in Picasso's melancholy harlequins and in the colorful, chaotic designs of modern street art. It is fascinating to observe how these symbols, born from specific cultural moments, resurface and adapt, revealing the human psyche’s enduring fascination with certain archetypes. The past is never truly gone; it lives within us, shaping our present perceptions and artistic expressions.