An interesting note from Lizzie, regarding the Clown Motif found in Teddy Bears: "I found some info on the teddy clowns. Here's what Gustav Severin from Teddy Bear A Loving History of the Classic Childhood Companion says: "Degraded in past centuries to the status of a clown and displayed at he weekly market, many animals like this bear and his fellow victims - the dog and the little monkey - were doomed to lead a sad and undignified life. This painting records a typical market scene from the 1870s when bear-baiting and other animal spectacles were popular entertainment's." (end)
THANKS for sharing, Lizzie. Very informative! |