Grotesque mask with sharp points coming from face two tusk-like protrusions

Etching, circa 1600, without signature.

Grotesque masks by the Italian (Rome) artist and engraver Aloisio Giovannoli (1550-1618).

From a series of 35 grotesque masks inspired by antiquity but a more likely source of inspiration is the work of Giulio Romano (Pouncey & Gere, Italian Drawings in the British Museum, Raphael and his circle, London 1962, plates 94, 113) and others are free copies after prints designed by Cornelis Floris, engraved by Frans Huys and published by Hans Liefrinck I between 1539-1560.

Published as Serie di Mascheroni Cavati dall'antico che per la prima volta escono in luce intagliati in rame opera utile a professori ed amatori delle belle arti. Some plates have the artist's name, 'Ali Gio'.

The copies are described under 'copy c' of The New Hollstein volumes on the Liefrinck family, under nos. 279-296. Some are recorded in 'Katalog der Ornamentstichsammlung der Staatlichen Kunstbibliothek Berlin, Berlin, 1936-39, under 553. The prints were issued a number of times and the last edition, by Vincenzo Monaldini, dates from 1781.

A beautiful work, printed on laid paper, with wide margins, traces of paper folds and two stains on the side margin, otherwise in excellent condition.

Bibliografia

The New Hollstein: Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts 1450-1700 (copy after Hans I Liefrinck), n. 283.