These two were inspired by my interests in medieval art, memento mori and Shakespearean stuff. Both "Dead Heads" are mounted on custom-made bases, each reminiscent of their time while still alive (fleshless finger bones for the king, iron neck fetter for the fool).

The "Grinning King" is blind to his own ravenous greed and fleeting power, represented by vacant eye sockets, an oversized mouth, gold-tipped horns and moldering chain mail (which I learned how to make for this project).

The emphasis on the eyes of the "Mortal Fool" suggests an insight into the ways of the world. But a jawless mouth with missing teeth hints at want and hunger. The iron shackle at the base represents the inescapable servitude of this wise fool's fate.

(I also hand-stitched the jester's coif, and artificially rusted the bells.)

But alas...
Whether Fool or King,
Both end up Dead Heads;
To play is the thing