These clowns [presumably French or American soldiers] show camouflage in a lighter vein at the French front. They are making themselves “look like what they ain’t” in order to mix a little play with the grim work of the poilus. They were professional clowns before the war, and have dressed in improvised costumes to entertain their comrades.
See also essay / booklet on Under the Big Top at Sims’ Circus: Ship Camouflage Behind the Scenes in WWI.
RELATED LINKS
Dazzle Camouflage: What is it and how did it work? / Nature, Art, and Camouflage / Art, Women's Rights, and Camouflage / Embedded Figures, Art, and Camouflage / Art, Gestalt, and Camouflage / Optical science meets visual art / Disruption versus dazzle / Chicanery and conspicuousness / Under the big top at Sims' circus
