A Court Jester with Dogs. Late 19th century.

A court jester with dogs.

Late 19th century.

French school painting.

Technique: oil on canvas, original canvas.
The court jester, in the company of two dogs, richly dressed in red and black, holds a puppet with a jester's hat in turn.

The expression and pose of the character is very theatrical, being actors, acrobats and musicians, the artist represents it with an accentuated and grotesque mimicry. Bells are tied to the hat and the ends of the dress which rang at the slightest movement of the jester, and to accentuate the carnival look, the headdress has two peacock feathers on the forehead.
Painting is very loose, of mature realism, with vibrant brushstrokes.
In 20th century frame, with fabric passepartout.