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Gallic cock crow for the Paris exhibtion by Gilbert James
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Gallic cock crow for the Paris exhibtion by Gilbert James
A woman dressed in a Pierrot or clown outfit is helped in her performance by a cockerel balancing on an egg.
1899
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Media ID 14405415
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1899 Acts Balancing Circus Clown Clowns Cock Cockerel Crow Eggs Gilbert Performance Pierrot Poultry Rooster Sep16 Symbol Symbolic
The Gallic Cock's Crow - A Pierrot's Precarious Act
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph from the Paris exhibition of 1899, we find a woman dressed in the traditional Pierrot or clown costume, engaging in a symbolic and intriguing performance. The Pierrot, a character originating from the Commedia dell'Arte tradition, is often depicted as a melancholic and tragic figure, known for his white face, red nose, and baggy clothes. The unique twist to this Pierrot's act is the presence of a cockerel, or rooster, precariously balancing on an egg atop her head. The cockerel, a quintessential symbol of France, adds an unexpected and humorous element to the performance. The woman's delicate touch and concentration are evident as she maintains her balance, while the cockerel, with its alert and focused gaze, seems to be in full command of the situation. The eggs, a common prop in Pierrot acts, add to the symbolic nature of the performance. In many interpretations, the eggs represent the fragility and vulnerability of life, while the cockerel's crow signifies the inevitability of time and change. The combination of these symbols, along with the circus-like atmosphere of the Paris exhibition, creates a visually striking and thought-provoking image. Gilbert James, the talented photographer behind this snapshot, expertly captures the essence of the Pierrot's act, blending elements of tradition, symbolism, and the unexpected. This photograph, with its rich history and intriguing story, offers a glimpse into the past and invites us to ponder the deeper meanings behind the performance.
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