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Medieval comedian playing bellows and tongs
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Medieval comedian playing bellows and tongs
Vignette of a comedian holding bellows and tongs as if playing a fiddle, 14th century manuscript. Handcoloured lithograph by Joseph Strutt from his own Sports and Pastimes of the People of England, Chatto and Windus, London, 1876
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Media ID 23205072
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Bellows Comedian Comedy Fiddle Illuminated Manuscript Pastimes Strutt Tongs Vignette 14th
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Medieval Comedian's Musical Feat: Bellows and Tongs as His Unconventional Fiddle This vignette, taken from a 14th-century manuscript, showcases an intriguing character from the past - a comedian performing an unusual act of music. The comedian is depicted holding a pair of bellows and tongs as if they were the strings of a fiddle. This whimsical scene is a testament to the versatility and creativity of medieval entertainment. The handcoloured lithograph, created by the renowned English antiquarian Joseph Strutt, is an exquisite reproduction of this fascinating image. Strutt, a pioneer in the field of folklore and social history, meticulously documented various aspects of English life, including sports, pastimes, and games. In this illustration, he captures the essence of medieval comedy and the unexpected ways in which music was presented during that era. The comedian's expression is filled with mischief and amusement, suggesting that his performance was intended to elicit laughter from his audience. The bellows and tongs, typically used for stoking fires, were transformed into musical instruments in this comedic context. The image invites us to ponder the inventiveness of medieval entertainers and their ability to adapt everyday objects into unconventional musical instruments. This vignette is a delightful reminder of the rich tapestry of history, where the lines between music, comedy, and everyday life blurred, creating a unique and captivating entertainment experience. The intricate details of the illustration, from the comedian's costume to the textures of the bellows and tongs, transport us back in time, allowing us to witness a moment of medieval merriment.
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