The term 'sad-faced clown' can be summed up by the crossword solution of Pierrot. Pierrot is a stock character of pantomime and commedia dell'arte whose origins date back to the 17th century. He is usually depicted wearing a white blouse with large buttons and wide white pantaloons. His character is that of the sad clown, pining for love and with a white face makeup. He is often seen as a tragicomic figure, as his pining for love is often unrequited.