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Foolery Collection

"Foolery: A Timeless Art of Mockery and Mirth" Step into the world of foolery, where laughter reigns supreme and jesters hold court

Background imageFoolery Collection: Lysistrata and his allies defending the access of the acropolis to men by farts, 1896 (litho)

Lysistrata and his allies defending the access of the acropolis to men by farts, 1896 (litho)
AIS5356057 Lysistrata and his allies defending the access of the acropolis to men by farts, 1896 (litho) by Beardsley, Aubrey (1872-98); 32x25 cm; (add.info)

Background imageFoolery Collection: The old bachelor, 1836 (illustration)

The old bachelor, 1836 (illustration)
7485443 The old bachelor, 1836 (illustration) by Grandville (Jean Ignace Isidore Gerard) (1803-47); (add.info.: The old bachelor)

Background imageFoolery Collection: Dunce's cap, c.1880 (print)

Dunce's cap, c.1880 (print)
7293414 Dunce's cap, c.1880 (print) by French School, (19th century); (add.info.: Education. Student wearing a dunce's cap at school. Imagery, France, ca 1880.); Photo: © Archives Charmet

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Mocking of Christ, 1612-13, (painting)

The Mocking of Christ, 1612-13, (painting)
7130058 The Mocking of Christ, 1612-13, (painting) by Honthorst, Gerrit van (1590-1656); Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome, Italy; (add.info.: The Mocking of Christ, 1612-13, Gerard van Honthorst)

Background imageFoolery Collection: Arlequin and Leandre drink and sing while mocking Pierrot (verse 8), 1880 (engraving)

Arlequin and Leandre drink and sing while mocking Pierrot (verse 8), 1880 (engraving)
7312473 Arlequin and Leandre drink and sing while mocking Pierrot (verse 8), 1880 (engraving) by Froelich, Lorentz (1820-1908); 27, 5x18

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Almost-Night Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Almost-Night Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308554 The Almost-Night Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Falsifier Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Falsifier Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308534 The Falsifier Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Gives With Displeasure, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Gives With Displeasure, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308522 The Fool Who Gives With Displeasure, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Goodness-Preventing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Goodness-Preventing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308520 The Goodness-Preventing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Usury Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Usury Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308516 The Usury Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Aufbutz Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Aufbutz Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308513 The Aufbutz Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Prefers Lust To Nurture, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Prefers Lust To Nurture, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308507 The Fool Who Prefers Lust To Nurture, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Sow-Quoting Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Sow-Quoting Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308474 The Sow-Quoting Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Processionary Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Processionary Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308471 The Processionary Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Fallen Into His Own Net, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Fallen Into His Own Net, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308467 The Fool Fallen Into His Own Net, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Beggar Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Beggar Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308456 The Beggar Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool In Love With Himself, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool In Love With Himself, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308451 The Fool In Love With Himself, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Foolish World, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Foolish World, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308422 The Foolish World, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Deliberately Puts Himself In Danger, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Deliberately Puts Himself In Danger, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308420 The Fool Who Deliberately Puts Himself In Danger, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Mocker Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Mocker Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308413 The Mocker Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Audacious Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Audacious Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308401 The Audacious Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Travelled Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Travelled Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308398 The Travelled Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Looks Through His Wife's Fingers, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Looks Through His Wife's Fingers, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308395 The Fool Who Looks Through His Wife's Fingers, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Postpones Everything Until Tomorrow, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Postpones Everything Until Tomorrow, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308392 The Fool Who Postpones Everything Until Tomorrow, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Rich Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Rich Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308364 The Rich Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Mischievous Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Mischievous Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308558 The Mischievous Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Studying Useless Arts, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Studying Useless Arts, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308544 The Fool Studying Useless Arts, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Goat Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Goat Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308525 The Goat Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Mocking The Old Parents, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Mocking The Old Parents, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308510 The Fool Mocking The Old Parents, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Is Angry At The Punishments Of God, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Is Angry At The Punishments Of God, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308504 The Fool Who Is Angry At The Punishments Of God, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Safe From Death, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Safe From Death, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308500 The Fool Safe From Death, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Cooking And Cellar Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Cooking And Cellar Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308492 The Cooking And Cellar Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Strained Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Strained Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308457 The Strained Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Danz Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Danz Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308452 The Danz Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Money-Grubbing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Money-Grubbing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308433 The Money-Grubbing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Is Not Amused With His Profession, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Is Not Amused With His Profession, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308425 The Fool Who Is Not Amused With His Profession, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Going To Church A La Fashion Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Going To Church A La Fashion Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308418 The Fool Going To Church A La Fashion Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The God-Blaspheming Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The God-Blaspheming Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308385 The God-Blaspheming Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Takes On Other People's Worries, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Takes On Other People's Worries, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308378 The Fool Who Takes On Other People's Worries, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Imprudent Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Imprudent Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308353 The Imprudent Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Thinks Himself Clever Alone, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Thinks Himself Clever Alone, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308345 The Fool Who Thinks Himself Clever Alone, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Booze Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Booze Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308552 The Booze Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Who Does Not Send Himself Into Misfortune, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Does Not Send Himself Into Misfortune, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308548 The Fool Who Does Not Send Himself Into Misfortune, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Faithless Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Faithless Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308529 The Faithless Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The God-Burdening Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The God-Burdening Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308505 The God-Burdening Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Of Reuter And Schreiber, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Of Reuter And Schreiber, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308488 The Fool Of Reuter And Schreiber, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Fool Immersed In His Science, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Immersed In His Science, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308461 The Fool Immersed In His Science, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageFoolery Collection: The Evil-Throwing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Evil-Throwing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308439 The Evil-Throwing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford



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"Foolery: A Timeless Art of Mockery and Mirth" Step into the world of foolery, where laughter reigns supreme and jesters hold court. From the grand stages of French Theatre to the intricate strokes of oil on canvas, this captivating art form has transcended time. In the Sottie du Prince des Sotz, we witness a satirical performance that pokes fun at societal norms. The actors don masks and costumes, unleashing their wit upon an unsuspecting audience. Laughter echoes through the halls as they expose human follies with sharp humor. The paintings "Christ Crowned with Thorns" and "The Mocking of Christ" depict a darker side to foolery. Here, mockery takes a cruel turn as Jesus is subjected to ridicule and humiliation. These powerful artworks serve as reminders that even in moments of despair, fools find ways to mock. But foolery isn't limited to religious themes alone; it permeates various aspects of life. In "Lysistrata, " women defend their rights by using flatulence as a weapon against men's access to power—an unconventional yet effective strategy that elicits both shock and amusement. Delving deeper into this realm, we encounter Arlequin and Leandre reveling in drink while mocking Pierrot—a scene captured beautifully in an engraving from 1880. Their raucous laughter fills the air as they indulge in merry mischief without consequence. Yet not all fools are carefree pranksters; some bear burdens hidden beneath their painted smiles. "The Almost-Night Fool, " "The Falsifier Fool, " "The Fool Who Gives With Displeasure, " among others depicted in brush and Indian ink on paper during the 17th century, reveal complex characters who navigate life's challenges with varying degrees of success. Foolery serves as society's mirror—reflecting our flaws while offering respite from reality's harshness.