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Two Grotesque Heads

Former Attribution Formerly attributed to Wenceslaus Hollar Bohemian
After Leonardo da Vinci Italian
1640s
Not on view
Seemingly in an animated conversation, these figures alternately fascinate and repel us, while also begging 
us for empathy. The decrepit man wears a monk’s habit, and the ugly woman’s old-fashioned, eccentric costume seductively bares her bosom. This print, formerly attributed to Wenceslaus Hollar, was executed in a much larger scale than the original drawings of grotesque figures by Leonardo. In contrast, when making his copies, Hollar usually respected the scale of motifs in Leonardo’s drawings.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Two Grotesque Heads
  • Artist: Anonymous, Netherlandish, 17th century
  • Former Attribution: Formerly attributed to Wenceslaus Hollar (Bohemian, Prague 1607–1677 London)
  • Artist: After Leonardo da Vinci (Italian, Vinci 1452–1519 Amboise)
  • Date: 1640s
  • Medium: Etching; only state
  • Dimensions: sheet (clipped impression): 4 3/16 x 6 5/8 in. (10.6 x 16.8 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.50.18-164
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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