Homage 

"Homage" is a black and white lithograph by American artist Joseph Novak, known for his powerful imagery. The composition features a human skull with a rat perched on top of it. A disembodied hand and head, seemingly connected to the skull, gaze intensely towards the viewer. The detailed rendering and dramatic chiaroscuro create a sense of melancholy and introspection. The work invites contemplation on themes of mortality, identity, and the human condition. The use of a rat, a symbol of decay, adds a layer of symbolism that reinforces the ephemeral nature of life.