On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02107
- Author
- Mor, Anthonius (Dutch)
- Title
- `Pejerón,' The Jester of the Count of Benavente and the Grand Duke of Alba
- Chronology
- Ca. 1560
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 185 cm x 93,5 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
The work is listed in the 1600
inventory of Madrid's Alcazar
Palace as “Pejerón, the madman of
the Count of Benavente, with white
stockings and jerkin and a deck of
cards in his right hand.” It was
kept in the Treasury.
Mor probably made this work during
his last visit to Spain in 1559.
The jester appears full-length,
standing, with a dark background
and no spatial references. As he
occupies all available space in the
foreground, it is difficult to know
his true height. He is sumptuously
dressed in courtly clothing, and
only his large head, short legs and
deformed hand —the cards it holds
symbolize leisure— bear witness to
his condition and occupation, “the
art of jest.”
Location on the map
