Double Cartouche with Two Heads and Symbols of Fame and Folly

Hubert François Gravelot

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a drawing featuring two faces enclosed within ornate oval frames with symmetrical scrollwork. Both faces show only the head and shoulders, with distinct facial features sketched in. The face on the left has a wide mouth, furrowed brow, and a stylized pointy beard, with hair that appears to be standing on end. The face on the right has a serene expression, an older appearance, a long flowing beard, and softly curled hair. The ovals are connected by decorative elements, including intertwining leaves and scrolls at the base, with a hint of a crossbar beneath them. The background is a lightly shaded surface enclosed by a decorative border line.