Four Grotesque Bust Portraits (54a-d)
Caricatured heads and shoulders in profile and three-quarter view
The sheet groups four pen-and-ink grotesque busts, labelled 54a, 54b, 54c and 54d, each exaggerating age and deformity through swollen jaws, sunken mouths and heavy brows. The figures are shown in profile and three-quarter view, several wearing hoods, veils or bound headdresses over their shoulders. The drawings are studies of caricatured human physiognomy rather than portraits of identifiable sitters. No text accompanies the images.
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Hooded grotesque bust in profile (54a)
A hunched figure faces right, its head wrapped in a veil-like hood that falls over the shoulders. The face is drawn with a protruding jaw, pursed toothless mouth and deep facial folds, exaggerating extreme old age.
Grotesque head with topknot (54b)
A jowly grotesque is seen in near-frontal turn, the hair gathered and tied into a knotted topknot at the crown with a loose strand hanging down. The chest and open garment are lightly indicated below the heavy, sagging face.
Open-mouthed grotesque in a banded cap (54c)
A bust faces left with mouth open, wearing a banded cap or turban and a fur-trimmed garment across the shoulders. The features are strongly caricatured, with a jutting chin and creased cheeks.
Grotesque profile with hanging braid (54d)
A sharply exaggerated profile faces right, with a heavy overhanging brow and thrust-out chin. A long twisted lock of hair hangs down at the left, tied near the crown of the head.