Val Prinsep
1884
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1884
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This sketch shows a bearded man in profile, turned slightly toward us. His thick beard and mustache frame a serious face, and he wears a loose jacket with a high collar. The lines are quick and sketchy, focusing on shapes and shadows rather than fine details. The artist used shading to give the face depth, making the beard and cheekbones stand out. This style was common in portraits from the late 1800s. Next, look up *sfumato* to see how artists like Legros used soft blending for smoother transitions.
