A Headpiece in the Form of a Fan
1589/95
Medium
Engraving on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Image/sheet, cut within platemark: 37 × 24.8 cm (14 5/8 × 9 13/16 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
44744
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Agostino Carracci’s fanciful ostrich feather headdress engraving could be cut out and mounted on a stiff backing, then secured to a woman’s festive coiffure. The central oval cameo of the virgin huntress Diana offers the wearer one identity; three other ovals could replace it or the smaller scene of a voyeuristic satyr observing bathing nymphs. These alternate cameos include the wiser goddess Minerva, the three Graces dancing, and Minerva and Poseidon. The relatively damaged and scuffed surface ...
About the Artist
Agostino Carracci · 1557–1602
Agostino left his profession as a tailor to become an artist. His earliest works were engravings, which was an extremely profitable practice and he was famed for having attained new heights of perfection. He was also a skilled painter and collaborated with his famous relations on various commisions. Comment on works: Religious; Portraits.