Fools are everywhere. But are the fools of today the same as the fools of yesteryear? This fall, the Musée du Louvre is dedicating an unprecedented exhibition to the myriad figures of the fool, which permeated the pictorial landscape of the 13th to the 16thcenturies. Over the course of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the fool came to occupy every available artistic space, insinuating himself into illuminated manuscripts, printed books and engravings, tapestries, paintings, sculptures, and all manner of objects both precious and mundane. His fascinating, perplexing and subversive figure loomed large in the turmoil of an era not so different from our own.
The exhibition examines the omnipresence of fools in Western art and culture at the end of the Middle Ages, and attempts to parse the meaning of these figures, who would seem to play a key role in the advent of modernity. The fool may make us laugh, with his abundance of frivolous antics, but he also harbours a wealth of hidden facets of an erotic, scatological, tragic or violent nature. Capable of the best and of the worst, the fool entertains, warns or denounces; he turns societal values on their head and may even overthrow the established order.
Within the newly renovated Hall Napoléon, this exhibition, which brings together over 300works from 90French, European and American institutions, brings us on a one-of-a-kind journey through Northern European art (English, Flemish, Germanic, and above all French), illuminating the profane aspects of the Middle Ages and revealing a fascinating era of surprising complexity. The exhibition explores the disappearance of the figure of the fool with the Enlightenment and the triumph of reason, and its resurgence at the end of the 18thcentury and all throughout the 19th. The fool then became a figure with which artists identified, wondering: ‘What if I were the fool?’

Paris

France

Searching for information and tickets regarding FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics | Louvre Museum taking place in Paris on Oct 16, 2024–Feb 3, 2025 (UTC+1)? Trip.com has you covered. Check the dates, itineraries, and other information about FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics | Louvre Museum now! Trip.com has also prepared more similar exciting activities and discounted flight and hotel packages.

FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics | Louvre Museum: Tickets, Dates & Itineraries | Trip.com

FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics | Louvre Museum

FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics

FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics | Trip.com

null | Trip.com

Share your results and see what your friends think!

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Near Avenue des Champs-Élysées|Champs Elysées, Paris

Luxury Hotels

Le Bristol Paris - an Oetker Collection Hotel

Disneyland Paris

Immediate access

Book now for today

Best Things to Do

Amusement parks

Night view

mohadeseh motie

Make sure you book night show, unfortunately we missed it . It&#39;s a must to do experience .

Palace of Versailles

Historic buildings

Museums

Anonymous user

Versailles was a feast for the eyes. I am still in awe of its splendour. The odd thing was that my e-ticket was issued for 09:30, even though I bought it for 11:00. Luckily, it did not deny my entry to the Versailles, but it was careless indeed.

Hotel de Crillon A Rosewood Hotel

Near Louvre Museum|Champs Elysées, Paris

Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris

Shangri-La Paris

Eiffel Tower

Tablet666

The Eiffel Tower, located in the heart of Paris, France, is the symbol and soul of the city. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this tower, with its unique design and stunning structure, has become an iconic landmark of France and the world. Whether by day or night, the Eiffel Tower exudes a unique charm, attracting countless tourists to admire and photograph it.

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral is the heart of the city, its architectural beauty breathtaking. Its rich history and exquisite Gothic style leave a lasting impression. Time seems to stand still here, inspiring deep contemplation. Every visit is a spiritual cleansing, highly recommended for every visitor!

Louvre Museum

SL🔄XQ

I spent a day there before the strike, and it was truly breathtaking. It lives up to its reputation as one of the four major comprehensive museums. I saw its crown jewels, but unfortunately, I couldn&#39;t find &quot;The Death of Marat.&quot; The Apollo Gallery was closed due to theft, so I couldn&#39;t view the luxurious jewels... It&#39;s so huge; one day is simply not enough...

Time:	Oct 16, 2024–Feb 3, 2025 (UTC+1) ENDED
Location:	Louvre Museum

FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics | Louvre Museum

Details

Book Tickets

Louvre Museum

Vote

Are you interested in FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics?

Recommended Products for FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics | Louvre Museum

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Le Bristol Paris - an Oetker Collection Hotel

Disneyland Paris

Palace of Versailles

Hotel de Crillon A Rosewood Hotel

Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris

Shangri-La Paris

Eiffel Tower

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics | Louvre Museum

Details

Book Tickets

Louvre Museum

Vote

Are you interested in FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics?

Recommended Products for FIGURES OF THE FOOL: From the Middle Ages to the Romantics | Louvre Museum

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Le Bristol Paris - an Oetker Collection Hotel

Disneyland Paris

Palace of Versailles

Hotel de Crillon A Rosewood Hotel

Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris

Shangri-La Paris

Eiffel Tower

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

More contents about Paris