One on the earliest incarnations of a clown character can be found in the courts of the Ancient Egyptians, where pygmies from Africa were clad in masks and animal furs and danced to please the Pharaohs. Actors in Ancient Greece performed comic turns by wearing artificial phalluses and padded tunics, while in the days of Ancient Rome, a number of clown characters performed. These included the bald Stupidus, who wore colorful outfits and mimicked others, and mime artists called Sannio.
In the Middle Ages and the following few centuries, the first jesters appeared. These were individuals who made a living from performing in royal courts and other noble halls, and enjoyed tremendous free speech when compared to members of the public. Jesters got away with answering back and even criticizing rulers and members of the clergy, and often spoke up about social issues where no-one else would. Other jesters were less socially conscious, and instead devoted their time to pleasing crowds with juggling, storytelling and sung ballads.
Many of the variants on the clown character which we still recognize today were developed in Italy, around the years 1500 to 1700. The Harlequin, for example, known for its patchwork outfit, originated during this age, as did the white-faced Pierrot. Both types of clown were born through Italian street theater, which thrived during the 16th and 17th centuries and was known as commedia del'arte. Actors in this form of theater would use tumbling and juggling tricks, and later silent miming, to entertain crowds.
Inspired by the jesters of medieval courts, clowns became popular in Russia from the early 19th century into the 20th century, with the Soviets even setting up clowning schools to allow individuals to study this art. These clowns possessed circus skulls and would perform with animals in front of crowds, but were also masters of satire, poking fun of politicians and officials.
The clown character continued to develop across many countries in the world during the 19th century. Debuting in 1840, Yankee Dan was a circus performer who bore a startling resemblance to the patriotic figure now called Uncle Sam, complete with goatee and top hat. Over in Germany, the eccentric Tom Belling wore strange costumes and performed silly routines in circuses, while the Englishman Joseph Grimaldi became known for his exaggerated facial expressions and use of white make-up, over which he drew colorful designs. Grimaldi's characterization in many ways set the stage for the atypical clown look used since.