The Head of a Young Man Looking Upwards to the Right
1752
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1752
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This sketch shows a man’s face in profile, looking up and slightly to the right. His hair is wavy, and his beard is drawn in quick, loose lines. The shading is rough but captures the shape of his nose, cheek, and jaw. The artist left some areas sketchy, like the neck and hair, while focusing on the face’s structure. This style was common in quick studies before finishing a painting. Next, look up sfumato to see how artists like this used soft blending for a smoky effect.
