Head of a Bearded Man

Domenichino (Domenico Zampieri)

1620–30 · Black chalk, highlighted with white chalk, on blue-gray paper partly faded light brown · Drawings and Prints

Domenichino trained at the Carracci Academy in Bologna and went on to a successful career as a leading painter in Rome and Naples. Draftsmanship based on close study of nature was the foundation of his artistic practice. This sheet, typical of his large heads studies, was perhaps preparatory for a figure in a painting, though it cannot be directly connected to any of his known works. Using black chalk with subtle white highlights, Domenichino conveys the slightly upturned eyes and serious expression of the figure, whose gravitas is reinforced by the flowing strokes defining his hair and beard.

Artist

Domenichino (Domenico Zampieri)

Date

1620–30

Medium

Black chalk, highlighted with white chalk, on blue-gray paper partly faded light brown

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gustavus A. Pfeiffer Fund, 1994