Artwork
Sketch of a Head (verso)
Sketch of a Head (verso) is a drawing by the Rococo painting artist Gaetano Gandolfi. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1980.116.b
- Credit line
- Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection
About this work
Overview
This drawing, created around 1784 by Gaetano Gandolfi, is a sketch on the verso of a sheet of paper. It showcases the artist's preparatory work, characteristic of his practice as a painter and fresco artist.
Subject & Meaning
The sketch depicts a study of a human head, executed with quick, expressive lines. The subject is not clearly defined, suggesting that the drawing may be a rapid study or exercise rather than a finished portrait.
Technique & Style
The drawing features loose, gestural strokes in multiple colors, with the figure of the head emerging from a background of smudged marks. The uneven, worn quality of the paper and the faintness of the drawing suggest a spontaneous, unedited approach.
History & Provenance
Gaetano Gandolfi was a prominent artist in late 18th-century Bologna, known for his work in various genres, including biblical and mythological scenes, portraits, and nudes. This drawing is consistent with his practice during this period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Gaetano Gandolfi (31 August 1734 – 20 June 1802) was an Italian painter, draughtsman and sculptor of the late Baroque period, mainly active in and around Bologna.
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