Caricatures of Two Men and a Woman n.d.

Editor: So, this is "Caricatures of Two Men and a Woman" by Marco Ricci. It's a drawing using ink on paper, currently residing here at the Art Institute of Chicago. My first impression is… satirical! They look like characters in a play, but everyone is slightly ridiculous, even pompous, perhaps. What's your take on this work? Curator: Ridiculous, pompous… I love those words. Spot on, truly. To me, it whispers of a cheeky jab at the aristocratic class. Ricci, with a flick of his wrist and a dip of his pen, inflates their already inflated egos to bursting point! Their noses? Highway signs. Their chins? Second homes. Notice how he uses quick, confident strokes; almost as if he dashed this off while stifling a laugh. Don't you think it's brimming with mischievous energy? Editor: I do see that energy! But what was Ricci trying to say about this class specifically? Curator: Ah, that's the fun part, isn’t it? It's less a specific statement and more an observation of the absurdities of vanity. These people existed to be *seen,* but Ricci sees them and exaggerates it, mirroring their own self-importance back at them in a distorted, hilarious way. And you have to wonder – did *they* realize the joke was on them? I’d love to know that, wouldn't you? Editor: Absolutely! I hadn’t considered it in that light. The "mirroring" idea is very helpful to my understanding. Curator: Glad I could illuminate a little. It's always wonderful to ponder those unanswered questions when experiencing art, wouldn't you say? Editor: Yes! It really sticks with you. Thanks so much!