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Grotesque:
In France between 1800 and 1850, a new image was
developing. The French Grotesque began to emerge as a
character not only expert in costume and acting, but
also as an acrobat. His skills involved horses, rope
walking, tumbling and balancing all embellished with
comic improvisation. The first Grotesque artist was Jean
Gontard, celebrated as the buffoon of Astley's, a famous
night spot in Paris. Later, his popularity was
overshadowed by the most popular Grotesque of the era,
Jean-Batiste Auriol, whose performances were described
as "encyclopedic".
Auriol was a juggler, tumbler, rope
dancer, and equestrian as well as comedian. Because of
his remarkable feats of acrobatics one circus historian
credits him with equal importance to the equestrian,
then the most important of the circus performers. This
idea of clowning and performing acrobatics was a great
step towards our modern circus performances. The history
of daring men in costume is now our most extravagant
colorful touring show under the "Big Top". |
