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The Little Buffoon, by Sebald Beham, 1542

The Little Buffoon

Sebald Beham

1542

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

The Little Buffoon is a 1542 by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?
Sebald Beham
When & what style?
1542 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?
Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting, "The Little Buffoon," shows a small figure with a large head and a long, pointed nose. He wears a hat, a short tunic, and a pair of boots, and holds a spoon in his right hand. The figure is surrounded by ribbons with words written on them, but the words are not clear. The painting is done in a detailed, realistic style, with lots of lines and textures. The colors are muted, with shades of brown and gray. The overall effect is one of whimsy and humor, as if the artist is poking fun at the idea of a serious portrait. If you like this painting, you might also enjoy the work of Hans Sebald Beham, a German artist who was active during the Renaissance.

About the artist

Portrait of Sebald Beham
Artist

Sebald Beham

Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.

See the richer artist page

More by Sebald Beham

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