Two Fantastical Masked Masculine Heads 1525 - 1600

This anonymous 16th-century engraving from the Metropolitan Museum of Art depicts two fantastical masked heads. The figures are shown in profile and are adorned with elaborate headdresses that combine human and animal features. The work is an example of the grotesque, a popular artistic style in the Renaissance period. This style, known for its exaggerated and fantastical representations, often explored themes of mortality and the fragility of human existence. The work’s detailed and intricate line work, along with its complex symbolism, makes it a captivating example of artistic creativity during the Renaissance.