Candelabra Grotesque with a Cat 1540 - 1560

"Candelabra Grotesque with a Cat" (1540-1560) by Andrés de Melgar is a pen-and-ink drawing that showcases the artist's mastery of grotesque ornamentation. This intricate design features a central candelabra, adorned with a cat perched atop a pedestal. The drawing also includes a human face with a grotesque expression, birds, scrolls, and other fantastical elements. This work is a fine example of the grotesque style, which was popular during the Renaissance and often featured whimsical and fantastical creatures, often inspired by ancient Roman and Greek art. The drawing's small scale, measuring 3-1/8 x 7-1/2 in. (7.9 x 19.1 cm), suggests it may have been a study for a larger work, or a decorative element for a book or manuscript. The drawing currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY.