![American Collections — 0055 r [I.1-4]](https://codex.venivididavinci.com/codices/usa-collection-drawings/highres/107_0055-r-I.1-4.jpg)
Four Grotesque Heads, nos. 1-4
Caricatured busts numbered in the upper corners
The page presents four small pen-and-ink grotesque busts numbered 1 to 4 in the upper corners of their sheets. Each exaggerates old age or deformity through toothless mouths, jutting chins, bulbous noses and caps or headdresses. They are caricature studies of human physiognomy in profile and three-quarter view, and carry no accompanying text.
On this page
Bearded grotesque raising a hand (no. 1)
A bearded figure turns to the right and lifts one hand toward the face, wrapped in loose drapery. The features are lightly caricatured, with a knotted brow and downcast expression.
Open-mouthed grotesque in a cap (no. 2)
A bust faces left with the mouth open as if speaking or gaping. A soft cap sits at the back of the head and the neck and shoulders are indicated with light hatching.
Capped grotesque with protruding lips (no. 3)
A profile faces right beneath a soft cap whose flap hangs down at the neck. The face shows a large ear, protruding lips and a jutting chin, exaggerating age.
Toothless grotesque with sunken mouth (no. 4)
A three-quarter bust faces left, the chin drawn up toward a collapsed, toothless mouth. A small cap covers the head and the shoulders are lightly sketched.