Blackwork Print with a Symmetric Grotesque Pattern 1600 - 1620

This blackwork print with a symmetric grotesque pattern was made by Claes Jansz. Visscher sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. During this time, there was a rise of the decorative arts, which focused on patterns, ornaments, and the use of black ink which added dramatic flair to everyday objects. Visscher's pattern is no exception, and showcases a human figure with wings, insects, birds, and foliage symmetrically arranged. The prevalence of insects and hybrid creatures may reveal the cultural anxieties about transformation. The grotesque style allowed artists to explore the boundaries of identity, challenging conventional notions of beauty and order. The print reflects the intersection of art, culture, and the human experience by presenting the grotesque as a means of negotiating the complexities of selfhood.