Acrobat
The acrobat (from Middle English saillëor, sallëor or saill(e)ur) is a type of performer frequently represented alongside a musician. The acrobat performs specific positions, which can be the difference between acrobat and dancer. These positions allow make a significative difference a dancer from a contorsionist, for example. The acrobat is also different from a juggler by having no jugglering objects.
The medieval representations of acrobats range from 11th to the 16th century, with most images dating to the 11th and 12th centuries (in the Musiconis database), in aristocratic or urban contexts. The (recent) term acrobat comes from Old French. The most frequent medium of representation is carving (in wood or stone) but images exist in manuscripts as well, in major initials and illuminations. In the Musiconis database, the acrobat can also be qualified as a juggler and a contortionist.
Acrobats in images
Resources
saillour (acrobat)
