Auguste Rodin
1900
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1900
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This sketch shows a side view of a man’s head and shoulders, drawn in quick, loose lines. The hair and beard are made of short, scratchy strokes, while his face stays simple—just a few curves for the eyes, nose, and mouth. The paper has some smudges and wear, like it’s been handled a lot. The title of this piece is *Auguste Rodin*, but it’s not a sculpture—it’s a portrait sketch of someone else. The artist signed it in the corner, but the face isn’t clear enough to guess who it’s supposed to be. If you like this sketchy style, look up chiaroscuro next—it’s a technique that uses strong light and shadow to give depth.