H Beard Print Collection
1600
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1600
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This engraving by Jacques de Gheyn II shows an allegory about masks and death. It’s part of a set called *The Masks*, made after 1600. The print mixes text and figures to make a point about hiding and truth. The skeleton of Death looms over two women, pulling off their masks. A Latin verse in the middle ties the scene to the idea of hidden identities. The whole thing feels heavy with meaning, not just decoration. Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more from this set.
