Studies for birds and grotesque masks (recto); candelabra grotesques, ewers and vases (verso)

Art Historical Context

This double-sided drawing by Spanish artist Andrés de Melgar dated around 1545–60, offers a captivating glimpse into Renaissance ornamental design. On the recto, delicate studies of birds and grotesque masks intertwine in fantastical forms, while the verso bursts with candelabra grotesques, ewers, and vases—elegant motifs for architecture and decorative arts. Rendered in pen and brown on a sheet measuring 8⅞ × 13¼ inches, the work showcases Melgar's precise linework, blending natural observation with imaginative whimsy. Grotesques, revived from ancient Roman decorations unearthed in the 15th century, exploded in popularity during the 16th century across Europe. They symbolized the era's fascination with antiquity, mythology, and boundless creativity, adorning palaces, ceramics, and prints. Melgar, active in this vibrant tradition, likely created these studies as preparatory sketches for larger projects, highlighting the collaborative spirit of Renaissance workshops where drawings served as blueprints for opulent interiors. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department as part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, this piece invites us to appreciate the artistry behind the spectacle—where birds soar amid mythical creatures, evoking a world of endless invention.