Caricature with Mola Protecting Himself from a Man Holding a Viper

Pier Francesco Mola

National Gallery of Art

The image is a sketch of two figures captured from the waist up. The person on the left is facing forward with curly hair cascading around their shoulders. Their facial features are roughly sketched, with prominent eyes and a subtle smile. They are wearing a garment with frilled or puffed sleeves and their hand is visible. The person on the right is in profile, facing left, with a more angular facial structure, including a prominent nose and chin. They have straight hair or a headpiece extending backward. Both figures are presented in a simplified, stylized manner without detailed clothing or accessories. The background is plain and unadorned.