The Story of the Clown

Form, Beauty, and Emotional Power.

Matthias wanted to capture this in 'The Story of the Clown'. Inspired by his visit to Paris, France in October of 2016, the vision of creating a black & white clown with a big red nose came to fruition. 

 

Where do clowns originally come from?

The most ancient clowns have been found in the fifth dynasty of Egypt, around 2400 BC. Unlike court jesters, clowns have traditionally served a socio-religious and psychological role, and traditionally the roles of priest and clown have been held by the same person.

​

What does a clown mean today?

A person who acts goofy or makes people laugh.

​

Often, black people are sought after for labor and entertainment, which Matthias intended to portray. This man is African, and the scene is set in the early 1900's. Though the clown is sad-faced, underneath he has a solemn look on his face. He wants his freedom.

​

The clown is strong, classy and poised. Hence, the slightly tilted hat, shirt, bow tie and suspenders. The flower represents life, The tear represents struggle and hardship. The checkered background represents duality. The center of it all, the big red nose, represents comic relief for the audience.

​