Omslag van het boek Paris qui rit van Georges Duval 1886

Jules Chéret's lithographic cover for Georges Duval’s "Paris qui rit" teems with figures embodying the spirit of laughter, a vibrant representation of Parisian merriment. Here, notice how laughter manifests not just in expression but in dynamic, almost chaotic movement. Consider the Harlequin figure. Rooted in the commedia dell'arte, this character, recognizable by his motley costume and mischievous nature, has journeyed through centuries, always a symbol of satire and jest. Observe how Chéret’s Harlequin is not merely a jester but a figure in joyous freefall. This abandonment echoes the Bacchic revelries of ancient Greece, where dance and drama dissolved social constraints. This motif—figures in ecstatic release—reappears across eras, from Renaissance festivals to modern carnivals, each time adapting to reflect the cultural preoccupations of its age. Such imagery taps into our collective memory, stirring deep-seated associations with liberation and pleasure. The echoes of history resonate.