Laughing Matters

It’s National Laughter Day—the perfect occasion for a few chuckles, chortles, ha-has, and LOLs courtesy of The Met collection

Since laughter is universal, it’s no surprise that happy subjects appeal to artists everywhere. For World Laughter Day, we have the pleasure of presenting a few artworks from The Met collection sure to leave you in stitches—or at least lift your spirits a bit. Say “ha!”

Smiles All ’Round

Buddhist monk Budai. China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Porcelain with ivory glaze (Dehua ware); H. 6 3/4 in., W. 7 1/4 in., D. 5 1/2 in.; 17th–18th century. The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931 (32.100.422)

Giggles & Grapes

Allegory of Autumn (Bacchus). Filippo Parodi (Italian, 1630–1702). Carved poplar, varnished and gilt; H: 42 15/16 in.; ca. 1670s. Gift of Mark Fletcher and Tobias Meyer, 2018 (2018.597)

Laughing His Head Off

Terracotta head of a man. Greek, South Italian, Tarentine. Terracotta, H. 1 7/8 in., 4th century B.C. Rogers Fund, 1910 (10.210.102)

Smile for the Camera

Pierrot Laughing. Nadar (French, 1820–1910). Gelatin-coated salted paper print, 10 3/4 x 7 13/16 in., 1855. Purchase, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Gift, through Joyce and Robert Menschel, 1998 (1998.57)

Making Much Merriment

Young Man and Woman in an Inn. Frans Hals (Dutch,1582/83–1666). Oil on canvas, 41 1/2 x 31 1/4 in., 1623. Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913 (14.40.602)

Demure Chuckles

Netsuke of Seated Figure of Usume Laughing. Japan. Ivory; H. 1 in., W. 1 11/16 in., D. 1 5/8 in.; 19th century. Bequest of Stephen Whitney Phoenix, 1881 (81.1.36)

Lots of LOLZ

Standing smiling figure. Remojadas (Mexico, Mesoamerica, Veracruz). Ceramic; H. 20 7/16 x W. 16 3/4 x D. 4 in.; 7th–9th century. The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979 (1979.206.561)

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