Two Heads

Two Heads

Paul Cezanne

1893

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows two faces drawn in quick, loose lines. One head is seen from the side, with a strong jaw and a cap pulled low. The other face is turned slightly upward, with soft shading around the eyes and nose. The paper has a yellowish tint, and the pencil strokes vary from light hatching to thick, dark marks. The drawing feels unfinished, like a study rather than a polished work. Notice how the artist didn’t smooth out the lines—some edges are rough, almost sketchy. This style was common in practice drawings. If you like this loose, expressive approach, look up Realism.

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