Large Grotesque Head Being Strangled by its Own Hair 1727

Gaetano Piccini’s etching, *Large Grotesque Head Being Strangled by its Own Hair*, is a prime example of the grotesque style popular in the 18th century. The head, rendered in profile, has a wide, exaggerated mouth, large ear, and hair that appears to be strangling the figure. Piccini’s masterful use of hatching and cross-hatching gives the grotesque head a sense of texture and depth. This etching was likely intended to be part of a larger series of grotesques as is indicated by the artist’s inscription: “Gaetano Piccini F. nell’ Anno 1727” (Gaetano Piccini made this in the year 1727).