Two Men in Masquerade Costumes: The Earth and a Parade Helmet

c. 1645

Stefano Della Bella

Associated Names
Stefano Della Bella

Artist, Florentine, 1610 - 1664

There are two abstract humanoid forms depicted in the image. The figures have large, balloon-like torsos and curving lines that suggest ripples or clouds. Atop their bodies are profiles resembling human faces, with feather-like textures rising from their heads. Their elongated limbs bend in various directions, resembling animated characters in motion. The forms resemble familiar human postures, presented in an imaginative and abstract style.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink over graphite on laid paper; laid down

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    Overall: 13.5 x 14.3 cm (5 5/16 x 5 5/8 in.)
    support: 14.1 x 15.2 cm (5 9/16 x 6 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.80.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Baskett & Day, London); acquired 1991 by the NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1992

  • Dürer to Diebenkorn: Recent Acquisitions of Art of Paper, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1992, no. 18.

Watermarks

Arms of France

Wikidata ID

Q64632730

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