Mask 1610 - 1664

"Mask," created between 1610 and 1664 by Italian artist Stefano della Bella, is an etching that depicts the face of a creature with a wide, toothy grin and an abundance of fur. This print, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies della Bella’s skill in rendering intricate detail with his fine lines and hatching. The artist was known for his masterful portrayal of human and animal forms, creating a sense of realism despite the fantastical nature of his subject.