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Archie Armstrong / Jester
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Archie Armstrong / Jester
ARCHIBALD ARMSTRONG (ARCHIE) Scottish court jester to James I and Charles I. Enjoyed royal favour and political influence until dismissed in 1637 for insulting Archbishop Laud
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Media ID 4309177
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10011944
1672 Archibald Archie Armstrong Jester
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print depicts Archibald Armstrong, better known as Archie, the renowned Scottish court jester who entertained and influenced the English monarchs James I and Charles I from 1603 to 1637. Armstrong's jester's cap adorned with bells and flowers, and his colorful, patterned doublet, reflect the merriment and joy he brought to the royal courts. Born in Scotland around 1560, Archie's wit, intelligence, and charm earned him the favor of the English monarchy. He was not just a jester, but a trusted advisor and political influencer. Archie's clever quips and satirical commentary provided a unique perspective on the political landscape of the time, often offering insightful critiques of the powerful figures of the day. However, Archie's influence reached its zenith during the reign of Charles I, when he became a close confidant of the king. Archie's relationship with the monarch was so strong that he was even granted the right to sit in the House of Commons, making him the only jester in history to hold such a position. But Archie's fortunes took a turn for the worse when he crossed paths with Archbishop Laud, the powerful and controversial religious leader of the time. Archie's sharp wit and biting satire did not sit well with Laud, and in 1637, Archie was dismissed from his position at the court. Despite his fall from grace, Archie's legacy as a court jester and political influencer continued to endure. He is remembered as a symbol of the power of wit and humor in the face of political turmoil and as a reminder of the complex role that jesters played in the political landscape of early modern Europe.
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