Print with Three Grotesque Heads/Masks and Two Figures
This print is part of a series of at least 29 prints containing monstrous figures after designs by the Dutch artist Arendt van Bolten. They were almost certainly published in Paris, however, by Pierre I Firens who may also have been the engraver for the series. This print contains three heads/masks presented in a row at top, and two grotesque figures, facing each other, depicted below. Both figures are bipeds with wings instead of arms. Most figures in this print series derive from drawings in an album now kept at the British Museum in London. The head at top left corresponds to drawing no.142, the figure at lower left derives from drawing no. 170, and the one on the lower right relates to drawing no. 147.
Artwork Details
- Title: Print with Three Grotesque Heads/Masks and Two Figures
- Artist: After Arent van Bolten (Netherlandish, Zwolle 1573–before 1633 Leeuwarden)
- Publisher: Pierre Firens I (Flemish, Antwerp 1580–1638 Paris)
- Date: ca. 1604–16
- Medium: Engraving [2nd state?]
- Dimensions: Sheet: 5 7/8 × 8 in. (14.9 × 20.3 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund and The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, by exchange, 1972
- Object Number: 1972.543.4
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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