Five grotesque heads, including an elderly man with an oak leaf wreath 1646

This etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, a renowned 17th century artist, depicts five grotesque heads, each with exaggerated features. The most prominent figure is an elderly man, with an oak leaf wreath and a severe expression, which makes him seem both powerful and vulnerable. This work, created in 1646, is a prime example of Hollar's skill in capturing human expressions and the dramatic use of light and shadow. The etching, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, showcases Hollar's fascination with the human form and his ability to convey a range of emotions through simple lines.