difference between harlequin 'n clown

[Kayla55]

Question: other than circus performer, is there reason harlequin was different from a jester or a clown?

Harlequin (; Italian: Arlecchino [arlekˈkiːno]) is the best-known of the zanni or comic servant characters from the Italian commedia dell'arte. The role is traditionally believed to have been introduced by Zan Ganassa in the late 16th century,

Harlequin A conventional buffoon of the commedia dell'arte, traditionally presented in a mask and parti-colored tights.

Masking and social clutz... I suppose women clowns were not popularised!!

 

[Forest Cat]

I think a harlequin is something that spesifically belongs in the theatre world. And more spesific, the Italian theatre world. A jester would work for a nobleman or a monarch to entertain guests in his home. And a clown is a funny person in a clown costume that can be found pretty much anywhere. In the circus, in someones backyard during a childs birthday, roaming the streets of Gotham City, and so on.

 

[Hypnalis]

Different roles in their earlies forms, different archetypes even in their later forms.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlequinade
One of the wikipedia articles describes Harlequin as a "trickster" archetype (Marvel's Loki is a modern version, though I wouldn't call it a "pure" version).

 

[Shamar]

Masking and social clutz... I suppose women clowns were not popularised!!

Did you forget the classic Harley Quinn?

 

[Gerald Wilgus]

Question: other than circus performer, is there reason harlequin was different from a jester or a clown?

Harlequin (; Italian: Arlecchino [arlekˈkiːno]) is the best-known of the zanni or comic servant characters from the Italian commedia dell'arte. The role is traditionally believed to have been introduced by Zan Ganassa in the late 16th century,

Harlequin A conventional buffoon of the commedia dell'arte, traditionally presented in a mask and parti-colored tights.

Masking and social clutz... I suppose women clowns were not popularised!!

Exactly right. And initially the harlequin and slapstick buffoonery were wedded together. My favorite clown is Papageno in Mozart's The Magic Flute, an intense and nearly psychedelic opera.

 

[Yeshuasdaughter]

In the early 1990s, nearly every teenage girl I knew had a lavender-colored pastel painting of a harlequin, and those comedy and tragedy masks as decorations in her room. It was a huge fad.

 

[Tom]

In the early 1990s, nearly every teenage girl I knew had a lavender-colored pastel painting of a harlequin, and those comedy and tragedy masks as decorations in her room. It was a huge fad.

I remember seeing versions on wall decor (paintings/plaques) a whole lot in 60s/70s time frame. Usually in more well-to-do homes. Orange was a common dominant color.

 

[Forest Cat]

Clown music

 

[Rodafina]

Clown of all clowns.

 

[Rodafina]

 

[Kayla55]

So if jesters also were politically opinionated and opinion acknowledged by nobility then their roles were multilayered not just entertainment.
Maybe harlequin was also more sophisticated portrayal and reaching for higher level of humour n understanding.