Artwork

Caricature with Mola Protecting Himself from a Man Holding a Viper

Caricature with Mola Protecting Himself from a Man Holding a Viper is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Pier Francesco Mola. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Caricature with Mola Protecting Himself from a Man Holding a Viper is a 1639 drawing by Pier Francesco Mola, created with pen and brown ink on laid paper. It showcases the artist's loose technique and naturalistic style, characteristic of his work.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a satirical scene where the artist, with curly hair, appears to defend himself from a man holding a coiled snake. The scene blends caricature with personal expression, suggesting a narrative or emotional context.

Technique & Style

The artist employed cross-hatching, a technique involving crisscrossed lines, to build up shadows and create texture and depth. The loose and quick lines convey a sense of spontaneity, underscoring Mola's distinctive style, which diverged from the dominant theoretical approach of his time.