Albert Fratellini

French circus performer

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June 26, 2026

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Albert Fratellini was a renowned French circus performer, best known as one of the Fratellini Brothers, a famous clown trio. Alongside his brothers Paul and François, Albert achieved widespread acclaim in post-World War I Paris, contributing to a revival of interest in the circus.1

Albert's specific role as the Auguste clown was characterized by his creation of a distinctive, grotesque makeup style featuring high black brows, an exaggerated mouth, and a bulbous red nose. This makeup influenced many subsequent clowns. The Fratellini Brothers' performances were admired by the public and intellectuals alike, with some artists even creating characters inspired by them. The family tradition continued with Albert's children and grandchildren also becoming successful circus performers.1

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Fratellini Family
a clown trio—Paul, François, and Albert (respectively, b. 1877—d. 1940; b. 1879—d. 1951; b. 1886—d. 1961)—whose wit, charm, and superb acting techniques were widely admired and brought about a resurgence of interest in the circus in post-World War I Paris.
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a clown trio—Paul, François, and Albert (respectively, b. 1877—d. 1940; b. 1879—d. 1951; b. 1886—d. 1961)—whose wit, charm, and superb acting techniques were widely admired and brought about a resurgence of interest in the circus in post-World War I Paris.
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Why Do Clowns Have Red Noses?
From paint to prop
Among the most important was Albert Fratellini, a member of the famed Fratellini family of performers. His grotesque auguste makeup, which included a red nose when the character appeared drunk, became a model for others to follow. Fratellini’s image traveled beyond Europe. His version of the auguste helped shape American…
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Among the most important was Albert Fratellini, a member of the famed Fratellini family of performers. His grotesque auguste makeup, which included a red nose when the character appeared drunk, became a model for others to follow. Fratellini’s image traveled beyond Europe. His version of the auguste helped shape American…
Read More