Six Caricature Heads 1530 - 1561

0:00

drawing, pencil

portrait

drawing

caricature

mannerism

pencil

Dimensions height 110 mm, width 75 mm, height 109 mm, width 70 mm, height 119 mm, width 80 mm, height 120 mm, width 74 mm, height 120 mm, width 78 mm, height 120 mm, width 73 mm, height 349 mm, width 119 , height 360 mm, width 113 mm, height 120 mm, width 120 mm, height 120 mm, width 112 mm

Battista Franco rendered these six caricature heads in ink, a study in human physiognomy. See the way each face is a map of character, etched with the passage of time and experience. These exaggerated features, like the prominent noses and furrowed brows, are not merely whimsical; they echo a long tradition of associating physical traits with inner virtues or vices. Consider the hooked nose, a symbol that has appeared across cultures, sometimes associated with cunning or wisdom, other times with greed or malevolence. Think of how Leonardo da Vinci, in his grotesque heads, explored similar themes, exaggerating features to reveal the hidden depths of human nature. The reappearance of these motifs in different times and places highlights how certain archetypes persist in our collective consciousness. These faces invite us to confront our own prejudices and assumptions. What do we read into these lines and shadows? The power of caricature lies in its ability to distill and amplify, forcing us to recognize both the familiar and the alien within ourselves.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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When we think of caricatures, we now associate them with rapidly drawn portraits by street artists. In the 16th century, however, caricature was a highly esteemed art form. The caricature heads by Leonardo da Vinci were well known and extremely popular thanks to prints after them. Zobel managed to lay his hands on these six grotesque heads after designs by Leonardo, among other works.