The "Figures of the Fool" exhibition at the Louvre in Paris explores the evolution of the fool character from the Middle Ages to the Romantics through over 300 pieces of art from European and American institutions. The show examines how the figure of the fool changed with time, from its origins in medieval manuscripts to its depiction in Renaissance courts and later as a symbol of the universal condition in works by artists such as Dostoevsky and Picasso. The exhibition features artworks including architectural adornments, frescoes, tapestries, etchings, ceramics, and miniatures that showcase the fool's transformation from a marginalized figure to one that evokes levity and relatability. Curators Elisabeth Antoine-König and others believe that the character of the fool can offer insights into societal questions and crises, making it relevant for modern audiences.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-fool-has-appeared-in-art-for-centuries-what-do-these-portrayals-of-the-complex-character-say-about-us-180985780/