Twee ornamenten en twee rugleuningen in kwabstijl 17th century

Here we have ornaments and backrests made in the so-called 'kwabstijl', or auricular style. These designs showcase abstracted, organic forms reminiscent of ears, lobes, or cartilaginous shapes. This bizarre vocabulary is not merely decorative; it evokes a sense of the grotesque, a fascination with the mutability of form and a sensuous appreciation for the bizarre. Consider how the motif of the grotesque head, with its distorted features, surfaces not just here but in ancient Roman art. The power of the grotesque lies in its ability to unsettle, to challenge our notions of beauty and order. This grotesque language stirs deep psychological responses, evoking a sense of primal chaos and transformation. The auricular style and its grotesque components serve as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of artistic expression. This style has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.