Letter C 1630

This is Peter Aubry’s etching “Letter C”, made sometime between the late 16th and mid-17th century. The letter "C" is formed by swirling acanthus leaves, a classical motif symbolizing immortality and regeneration. But look closer and you'll see nestled within it, several grotesque masks stare back. These masks, with their exaggerated features, link back to ancient theatrical traditions. Think of the masks worn in Greek and Roman plays, amplifying emotions and archetypes for the audience. These images are a conscious revival of classical forms, but imbued with a darker, more unsettling sensibility. It's as if Aubry is tapping into a primal fear, a collective memory of the monstrous and the absurd. The juxtaposition of the classical acanthus with the grotesque faces creates a tension, a dialogue between order and chaos, beauty and the beastly. Consider how these faces resurface centuries later in the works of Ensor or Picasso, transformed yet still echoing the same potent blend of mockery and dread. The emotional power of the image lies in its ability to evoke a sense of unease.