Tien ornamentkoppen 1644 - 1718

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli created this print of ten ornamental heads, using etching techniques, sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. The grotesque heads, with their exaggerated features, tap into a rich tradition of caricature and satire that was gaining momentum across Europe at this time. Mitelli was working in Bologna, a city with a strong artistic heritage and close ties to both religious and secular powers. His prints, often produced in series, catered to a growing market for accessible and entertaining imagery. This particular sheet speaks to a fascination with physiognomy, the idea that one's character could be read from their facial features. It also reflects the period's interest in the carnivalesque, where social norms were playfully inverted. To truly understand this print, we might delve into the history of Bolognese printmaking, the social function of satire, and the popular beliefs surrounding the human face. Through this contextual research, we can see how Mitelli's art engaged with the cultural currents of his time.