Mask with a Long Mustache Tied with a Ribbon Beneath the Chin, from Divers Masques 1630 - 1650

François Chauveau etched this mask, with a long mustache tied with a ribbon, sometime in the 17th century. The mask, with its exaggerated features, embodies the spirit of revelry. This connects it to the ancient tradition of carnival masks, where one could shed their inhibitions. The mask's prominent mustache, tied with a ribbon, feels like a playful twist on masculine identity. Think of the countless depictions of river gods and mythical figures, often adorned with flowing beards, symbolizing power and virility. Here, the ribbon introduces an element of gentility, perhaps even humor. The eyes are large, wide and exaggerated, reminiscent of the grotesque masks used in ancient theatre, tools for conveying emotions and amplifying character traits. These masks offer a sense of liberation, allowing us to confront our own hidden desires. In this delicate etching, Chauveau captures not just a mask, but the enduring human need for transformation, for a momentary escape into another persona.