I overheard this joke, told by my uncle Ted, over fifty years ago and I still think it is the funniest I have ever heard. But I'm sure it validates what Bagpuss said.

A guy is at a gallery opening. There are four "heroic" sized figures in a group. He stand, amazed looking at it for almost a hour. The first figure's head is bent, his right hand covers his mouth. The second figure stands with his arm outstretched, finger pointing boldly. The third figure is in a combative posture, his fists raised as if to strike. The fourth figure is bent slightly, his head resting on his arm.

Sculptor comes up. "Well do you like the group?" he asks. "Yeah, I guess so." "Do you understand it's meaning?" "well, I think so." "Ok, these are representatives of four conditions of mankind. The first is man as thoughtful, contemplative. The second is man looking ahead to the future, boldly showing the way. The third is man, defending himself and all mankind from attack. The fourth is man, humble in all things." "Oh boy did I get that one wrong! I thought it was 'Who sh-t!' 'He did!' 'The son of a bi-ch!' 'I'm sorry!'"

Of course, it requires the teller "acts" out the poses.

CB