1504
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Study of Heads (recto) is a 1504 by Agostino Carracci, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This sketch shows five rough, quick drawings of people’s heads and shoulders. The lines are loose and shaky, like the artist was testing poses. Some faces are turned away, others look forward, and one person’s arm stretches out. Notice how the artist barely defines the faces—just a few strokes for eyes, noses, and mouths. It feels more like a practice sheet than a finished work. Try looking up chiaroscuro next to see how light and shadow create drama in art.
Agostino Carracci ( kə-RAH-chee, UK also kə-RATCH-ee, Italian: ; also Caracci; 16 August 1557 – 22 March 1602) was an Italian painter, printmaker, tapestry designer, and art teacher.
See the richer artist page
