Two Grotesques Separated by a Shaded Band, the Right Grotesque with a Man Doing a Handstand 1562

Curator: This is a print by Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau, aptly named "Two Grotesques Separated by a Shaded Band, the Right Grotesque with a Man Doing a Handstand." Editor: Oh, my goodness, it's like looking into someone's wild imagination! The symmetry, the bizarre creatures… it’s like a dream, or maybe a nightmare. Curator: These types of prints were popular during the Renaissance, circulated as models for artisans. Look at the intricate details and the repetition of forms. This print probably served as a template for architectural ornaments or furniture designs. Editor: You know, I almost feel like I should be seeing this on a teacup, or stitched onto a cushion. It’s just so... tactile! Curator: Exactly. These "grotesques" blur the lines between art and craft, highlighting the material applications of artistic invention. Editor: I love that it still feels so lively, so weird and wonderful after all this time. It really makes you think about how artists see the world. Curator: It’s a testament to the enduring power of these practical yet visionary images.