Head- or Tail-piece c. 16th century

Editor: This small, anonymous print titled "Head- or Tail-piece," presents a rather curious array of imagery. What symbolic weight do you think these floral and faunal motifs carry? Curator: The composition echoes classical ornament, but the overtness of the face suggests something deeper. Consider the grotesque: traditionally, these faces ward off evil, but also symbolize the wild, untamed aspects of nature and perhaps even the subconscious. Might this be a mediation on order versus chaos? Editor: That's an interesting point. So, it's not just decorative; it's a symbolic threshold? Curator: Exactly. The print engages with enduring psychological needs – the need for protection, understanding, and perhaps even a bit of humor in the face of the unknown. Editor: Fascinating, I'll look at these ornamental prints differently. Curator: Me too!