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Bearded Head after the Antique

Giovanni Battista Cipriani

1756

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century

Dominant colour

Bearded Head after the Antique is a 1756 by Giovanni Battista Cipriani, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Giovanni Battista Cipriani
When & what style?: 1756 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a rough, shadowy face with a thick beard. The lines are loose and uneven, almost like quick scribbles. The dark tones dominate, with only a few lighter strokes on the forehead and cheekbones. The artist used simple gray wash and white highlights to create depth. It looks like a quick study, not a finished portrait. Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and shadow like this.