Dimensions: support: 117 x 197 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Curator: This drawing, held in the Tate Collections, is by Thomas Worlidge, who lived from 1700 to 1766. It's called "Two Heads of Men, One a Caricature". Editor: It's a striking, almost unnerving sketch. The contrast between the relatively naturalistic face and the distorted one is quite bold. Curator: Worlidge was known for his etchings and drawings, often imitating the style of Rembrandt. He sought to capture character. Editor: And in this particular piece, what do you think he was trying to say about masculinity? The exaggerated features could speak to societal expectations, pressures... Curator: Perhaps. Caricature was a popular form of social commentary in the 18th century. Editor: True. It feels like a precursor to modern political cartoons, holding up a mirror to power, even then. Curator: It does make you wonder about the men depicted, their roles, and the artist's view of them. Editor: Exactly. The work becomes more than just a study of form, it becomes a question.
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