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Secondary sourcePainting1902

Twenty-Four Grotesque Heads

1902

A 1902 print reproducing Leonardo da Vinci's caricature studies of exaggerated faces.

A later print reproducing Leonardo da Vinci's caricature studies of grotesque and expressive faces.

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Printed plate of grotesque caricature heads in profile, arranged in a grid of rectangular panels with sketched old men and women with exaggerated noses, chins, and headwear. Page labeled Part II and No. 15 at the top corners.
Process print of Twenty-Four Grotesque Heads, 1902, after Leonardo da Vinci. Wellcome Collection, London.

About this source

What it is

This process print, made in 1902, reproduces caricature drawings attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. It shows twenty-four grotesque heads in profile, arranged in a grid, featuring old men and women with exaggerated noses, chins, and headwear. It is held by the Wellcome Collection in London.

Why it matters

Alongside his scientific and artistic work, Leonardo was known for sketching unusual and exaggerated faces, exploring human expression and character. This much later print shows how these caricature studies continued to be reproduced and studied centuries after they were drawn.

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