Mask from Libro di Variate mascare 1560

This detailed engraving, a single sheet from *Libro di Variate mascare* (Book of Various Masks) by René Boyvin, showcases a grotesque, fantastical mask. Created in 1560, the mask’s elaborate design features a wide-eyed, grinning expression, framed by exaggerated, plant-like appendages. The intricate detail of the mask’s features and the overall grotesque aesthetic reflect the popular interest in the macabre during the Renaissance. The engraving was likely intended for use in theatrical productions or as a decorative element in design.