The Beast’s Jagged Smile

About the work

An elongated animal muzzle occupies almost the entire field. Two pointed ears extend its vertical movement, narrow eyes sit near the sides, and triangular teeth line the lower jaw. Soft grey passages model the sides of the head while leaving its centre pale. Short red strokes cross the eyes as the only bright accents. A few long contours suggest neck and shoulder beyond the heavy jaw.

Different eye shapes and uneven shading disturb the nearly symmetrical arrangement. The frontal head therefore avoids becoming a static emblem. Its calm pale centre contrasts with the sharp rhythm of teeth, while soft grey marks meet a firm black outline. These opposing treatments keep the eyes restrained and the mouth emphatic.