Chapter 1
The ancient roots of sacred fools
Chapter 2
The birth of the modern clown
Chapter 3
From beloved icons to screen stars
Chapter 4
The dark side of the smile
YOUR GOAL
Master of The painted history of fools and frights
Ch 2 · The birth of the modern clown
misslily Birth of the Modern Clown
Joe Grimaldi painted his face white (oh-oh!) / Now the clowns are dancing in the church light (yeah yeah!)
misslily During the early 1800s, Grimaldi dominated London stages with his signature white face paint, blue cheeks, and pioneering
misslily A melancholy white-faced Pierrot in loose clothing painted with luminous classical lighting.
Fun Fact
Grimaldi's legacy: Joseph Grimaldi was so famous in London that when he retired in 1828, over 10,000 people attended his farewell performance at Drury Lane.
Glossary
clown (noun)
A comic entertainer who wears a traditional costume and exaggerated makeup to perform slapstick or tricks. Joseph Grimaldi created the iconic whiteface makeup and colorful costumes in London during the early 1800s.
A comic entertainer who wears a traditional costume and exaggerated makeup to perform slapstick or tricks. Joseph Grimaldi created the iconic whiteface makeup and colorful costumes in London during the early 1800s.
Quiz
What distinctive pattern is associated with the Commedia dell'arte character Arlecchino?
Quiz
What was the occupation of Billy Button, the character who became the first circus clown?