The painting, Stańczyk, created in 1862 by the Krakow master of historical painting, depicts the legendary court jester and can be seen hanging over an unmade bed in a messy room on the vinyl’s back cover.
Fans also noticed a vintage TV in the background showing Tony Bennett, with whom Gaga previously sang, as well as a poster from her past tour and some of her recognizable stage costumes.
Stańczyk: The Polish jester on Lady Gaga's album and his journey to the Louvre
According to staff from the National Museum in Warsaw, where Matejko's Stańczyk has been housed since 1924, the painting will soon leave Poland and head to Paris, where it will be exhibited in the Louvre’s Figures of the Fool collection.
Lady Gaga, who stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the next installment of the Joker saga, Folie à Deux, previously shared a video from this very exhibition in France, where audiences can view the iconic Polish jester.
The original Matejko painting is expected to return to Poland in February 2025. In Polish art and literature, Stańczyk symbolizes a sharp-witted jester whose humor and satire, laced with irony, challenge societal norms, criticize the ruling powers, and provoke reflection on the country’s political state.
Historically, a similar figure was associated with the court of King Sigismund the Old in the 16th century, though Stańczyk has since evolved into a broader cultural symbol, appearing in works like Krakowiacy i Górale by Wojciech Bogusławski and The Undivine Comedy by Zygmunt Krasiński.
Stańczyk, Joker, and Harlequin: What do these jesters have in common?
Why did Lady Gaga reference the Polish Stańczyk for the Joker premiere?
There could be many interpretations, but both the album title Harlequin - referring to the character from Italian commedia dell'arte - and figures like Stańczyk and Joker fit into the European tradition of jesters, who, despite their humorous exteriors, often carry profound messages of societal criticism.
These characters combine elements of comedy with reflections on reality and the complexity of human nature, offering a deeper commentary on political powers, lobbyists, and special interest groups.
On Wednesday, world-famous actress and singer Lady Gaga appeared alongside her fiancé Michael Polansky for the UK premiere of the movie Joker: Folie à Deux at Cineworld Leicester Square in London.
Actress and singer Lady Gaga and her fiance Michael Polansky arrive for the UK premiere of the movie 'Joker: Folie a Deux' at Cineworld Leicester Square in London, Britain, 25 September 2024 (Andy Rain/PAP/EPA)
Actor Joaquin Phoenix, actress Lady Gaga, director Todd Phillips, and English actor Leigh Gill arrive for the UK premiere of the movie 'Joker: Folie a Deux' at Cineworld Leicester Square in London, Britain, 25 September 2024 (Andy Rain/PAP/EPA)
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