The World Turned Upside Down (Il Mondo alla Riversa) 1552 - 1579

"The World Turned Upside Down" (Il Mondo alla Riversa) is a 16th-century etching by the Italian artist Nicolò Nelli. This intricate print depicts a series of scenes in which the natural order of the world is reversed, with animals performing human tasks and humans acting like beasts. The print is filled with detailed figures and scenes, creating a chaotic and humorous visual experience. The artwork was created in 1552-1579, during a time of great social and political upheaval in Europe. This print, which is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, serves as a testament to Nelli’s masterful skill in etching and his witty observation of human nature.