Ornament 1683 - 1733

This Ornament was etched by Bernard Picart in the late 17th or early 18th century. Note the grotesque masks adorning the top and bottom. These masks, common in classical and Renaissance art, are rooted in ancient theatrical traditions where exaggerated expressions amplified emotions for large audiences. Consider their reappearance on Roman sarcophagi, where they guarded against evil spirits, or even their echoes in the gargoyles of Gothic cathedrals, meant to ward off malevolent forces. Observe how Picart's masks, though decorative, retain this primal power. The human face as a symbolic guardian has persisted across time and cultures, resurfacing in various forms and evolving in meaning, yet always engaging our deepest fears and hopes on a subconscious level.