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The Italian Grimacier or pantomime artist
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The Italian Grimacier or pantomime artist
Italian street pantomime artist in grotesque wig, playing a bizarre one-string violin with balloon. This young Italian man with black eyes excels at terrible grimaces. His genre is the melodrama of the grimace. Handcoloured engraving by Gatine from Pierre de la Mesangeres Le Bon Genre, Paris, 1817. Italian street pantomime artist in grotesque wig, playing a bizarre one-string violin with balloon. This young Italian man with black eyes excels at terrible grimaces. His genre is the melodrama of the grimace. Handcoloured engraving by Gatine from Pierre de la Mesangeres Le Bon Genre, Paris, 1817
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23194304
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Balloon Busker Clown Genre Grimace Lifestyle Mesangere Mime Pantomime Performer Pierre Satirical Violin Italien
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This handcoloured engraving by Gatine, from Pierre de la Mesangère's Le Bon Genre, published in Paris in 1817, showcases a young Italian street performer, known as a grimacier, engaging in his unique and bizarre act of melodrama through grimaces. The grimacier, with his striking black eyes, dons a grotesque wig and plays a one-string violin adorned with a balloon. His exaggerated facial expressions, or grimaces, are the focus of his performance, adding an element of satire and entertainment to the fashionable streets of Paris during the Empire period. The grimacier's genre, the melodrama of the grimace, was a popular form of street entertainment in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. This art form combined elements of mime, clowning, and music, often with a satirical or humorous twist. The performer's ability to elicit strong emotions from the audience through his grimaces and expressions was a testament to his skill and artistry. The engraving captures the moment of performance, with the grimacier's intense focus on his instrument and the balloon, which adds an unexpected element to the traditional violin. The use of a handcoloured engraving technique adds depth and vibrancy to the image, making it a visually striking representation of the Italian street performer's art. The grimacier's performance was a reflection of the lifestyle and entertainment trends of the time, with a blend of satire, fashion, and music that appealed to a wide audience. His unique act continues to intrigue and delight viewers, offering a glimpse into the rich history of street performance and the art of the grimace.
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