Cup of Wonder

Pen and ink drawing of a two-headed snake curling out of a shiny metal chalice. The chalice sit on a shelf within a recess in a wall with an arched top.

Ink drawing on paper, 9 x 7 inches (22.86 x 17.78 cm)
Private collection

Two-headed animals of all kinds have always been popular sideshow attractions. Snakes are especially prone to the phenomenon, and have the added bonus of being a creature that many people fear. Consequently, two-headed snakes are proven money-makers.

The inspiration for this drawing came from the reverse of Hans Memling's circa 1470 dyptich of Saints John and Veronica (National Gallery of Art, Washington DC). According to the legend of St. John the Evangelist, he miracously survived a draft of poisoned wine by blessing the liquid before drinking it. In iconography, the poison is symbolized by a serpent but the ladder snake depicted here is a non-venomous species.