Grotesque panel with satyrs, herms, and strapwork (recto); winged creatures and strapwork (verso) 1540 - 1550

This pen and ink drawing by Andrés de Melgar, dated 1540-1550, features a complex composition of fantastical creatures and strapwork. It's a quintessential example of Mannerist design, characterized by its exaggerated forms and intricate ornamentation. The drawing's dynamism is achieved through the sinuous lines of the strapwork, which interweave with the bodies of satyrs, herms, and winged creatures. The grotesque panel's intricate details highlight the artist's skill and showcase the popularity of the grotesque style in Renaissance art. The drawing, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the playful and imaginative aspects of decorative art during the Renaissance era.