A Grotesque Head with a Helmet in the Style of Arcimboldo, Dominicus Custos, 1594
engraving, h 251mm × w 300mm More details
This imaginary head was devised by the Augsburg printmaker Dominicus Custos. The face consists of roasted poultry between two metal bowls. Two chicken heads serve as eyes, while an outstretched leg suggests a moustache. The composition is strongly reminiscent of paintings by Giuseppe Arcimboldo (c. 1526-1593), who specialized in heads composed of all kinds of vegetables, fruit or roasted game.
