RARE ITALIAN IMAGERY - THE CAGE OF FOOLS. The Madness of the World. 16th century. Engraved with a burin. Proof on laid paper. Very close to the work engraved by Sebastiano di Re (active in Rome between 1557 and 63), one of the first to treat in Italian engraving the theme of the madness of human life. In the 16th century, the production of popular prints of both a sacred and secular nature flourished. The most developed themes were then the satirical & burlesque representations of the vices and follies of men, which were expressed in images with curious and captivating titles, such as "The world upside down", "L'arboro della pazzia", "Descritione del grand pays de Cuccagna", "Ainsi va le monde" and "La cage des Fous" like this piece presented here. Rare. 39 x 55,3 cm. Condition C (Creases, short tears and small lacks on the edges, cut on the subject, damaged print)