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  1. Harlequin - Wikipedia

    As developed by Joseph Grimaldi around 1800, Clown became the mischievous and brutish foil for the more sophisticated Harlequin, who became more of a romantic character.

  2. Harlequin | Clownopedia | Fandom

    Harlequin inherits his physical agility and his trickster qualities, as well as his name, from a mischievous " devil " character in medieval passion plays. In Victorian England, the Harlequin was routinely paired …

  3. A Fool's Guide to Fools: Fools, Clowns, Harlequins, and Jesters

    Mar 15, 2025 · Whether it’s a wise-cracking jester, a slapstick clown, or a mysterious harlequin, these comedic figures each have their own unique histories and roles. So, let’s dive nose-first into the …

  4. Harlequin | Commedia dell’arte, Pantalone, Zanni | Britannica

    Jan 31, 2026 · Harlequin’s costume was originally a peasant’s shirt and long trousers, both covered with many coloured patches. It later developed into a tight-fitting costume decorated with triangles and …

  5. Clown vs. Harlequin - What's the Difference? | This vs. That

    Clowns typically wear colorful costumes and exaggerated makeup, often with a red nose and oversized shoes. They are known for their slapstick humor and physical comedy. Harlequins, on the other …

  6. The character of Harlequin: history and origins - Florenceitaly

    Jun 28, 2022 · There is a theory that the costume was inspired by a poor boy called Harlequin who had no costume for Carnival but his classmates took pity on him and gave him a piece of their costume …

  7. Harlequinade Clown History - Invisible Ropes

    Harlequinade is a British comic theatrical genre, defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “that part of a pantomime in which the harlequin and clown play the principal parts”. It developed in England …

  8. Clown vs. Harlequin — What’s the Difference?

    Mar 10, 2024 · Clowns are comedic performers known for their exaggerated makeup and costumes, engaging in slapstick and humor. Harlequins, originating from Italian commedia dell'arte, are agile, …

  9. Homing in on Harlequin | Columns - Etymonline

    Jul 2, 2023 · The text where the clown Harlequin is first featured is the Recueil Fossard, being an illustrated depiction of a commedia dell’arte show, or perhaps highlights from several shows, circa 1580.

  10. Harlequinade - Wikipedia

    Harlequinade is an English comic theatrical genre, defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as "that part of a pantomime in which the harlequin and clown play the principal parts". It developed in England …