Two deformed heads facing inwards
Original title: Two deformed heads facing inwards
kurzbeschreibung
Wenceslaus Hollar made this etching, Two Deformed Heads Facing Each Other, in 1645. It presents two stylized, grotesque heads in dialogue and derives from a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci. The impression is the second state of two.
Description
Two deformed heads confront each other frontally, the left one tilted slightly upward, both turned a little to the right. A garment resembling a robe surrounds the heads. The faces are heavily stylized and distorted: large round eyes, enlarged noses, and pronounced lips produce a grotesque expression. The plain background draws attention to the heads. Symmetrically arranged, the sheet bears the names "Leonardo da Vinci" and "W. Hollar fecit" at the top.
Context
Created in 1645, the etching reproduces a drawing of deformed heads by Leonardo da Vinci. Hollar, a Bohemian printmaker known for precise reproductions, was working in England at the time. Grotesque studies of this kind were popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods and often served to examine physiognomy and expression.
Impact
The deformed faces are both eerie and fascinating, holding the viewer's gaze. Through the strong stylization and symmetrical arrangement, the image acquires a calm yet unsettling presence.
Technique
Etched lines and hatching build the shading here, in keeping with Hollar's precise style. The monochrome sheet measures 7 × 10.5 cm and is the second state.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)