Bust of a deformed man with a hat and a fat, protruding lower lip in profile to left 1665

This etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, dating from 1665, presents a deformed man with a prominent lower lip, his head covered by a soft cap. Here, we glimpse a fascination with the grotesque. Observe how the exaggerated features echo those found in ancient caricatures, reappearing through the ages. Such depictions are not merely about physical appearance; they tap into primal fears and societal anxieties. Consider the medieval gargoyles perched on cathedrals, their distorted faces warding off evil spirits and embodying repressed desires. These grotesque forms become vessels for collective fears, reflecting the darker aspects of human nature. The enduring presence of the grotesque in art serves as a reminder of our complex relationship with the body and its imperfections, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The cycle continues.