Two Clowns c. 16th century

Curator: This small engraving, called "Two Clowns," is by Sebald Beham, an artist active in 16th-century Germany. The print is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Wow, they look like they're having a terrible time! I mean, those outfits... and the flies buzzing around their heads, it’s pure pathos, honestly. Curator: These figures, far from being simple jesters, engage with the period's complex socio-political commentary, highlighting the perceived folly and moral decay within society through the allegory of the clown. Editor: I feel like I know them, though. That weariness, the awkward silence... Like, what do you say when you’re stuck with someone at a party, you know? Curator: Beham uses the clown figure to critique power structures and challenge societal norms, reflecting anxieties about social upheaval and religious reform. Editor: Maybe they're just tired of performing. That weight of expectation… it must be crushing. Curator: Looking at this, I'm reminded of how art provides a lens through which to examine power. Editor: It's funny how a tiny image can hold so much… sadness, truth. I guess that’s the power of art, right?